The Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25) concluded on 5th March 2025. This trip left much to think along the lines of the event’s theme: Converge. Connect. Create. With over 109,000 attendees from 205 countries, there was considerable focus on the convergence of AI, cloud, and telecom, emphasizing how the next tech era will require industry-wide collaboration, disruptive business models, and new monetization strategies.

Discussions over 5G Dominated The Keynotes

Honoured to attend, WAWT noticed the stark emphasis on 5G and its implications in the keynotes. Mats Granryd (Director General, GSMA) noted that 5G adoption had surpassed 2 billion connections, making it the fastest-growing mobile technology, but stressed the urgent need to expand standalone 5G networks to unlock $4.7 trillion in global economic impact by 2030. But it isn’t as if evolving 5G networks don’t come with their challenges; regional and financial disparities still loom over as market limitations. (See Keynote day 3)

Telecom Leaders’ Opinions on AI in Their Industry

Granryd also emphasized AI’s economic impact–generative AI could contribute up to $5 trillion globally and $100 billion annually to telecom alone. Christel Heydemann (CEO, Orange) positioned AI as the missing link for unlocking the true potential of 5G, stating:

“AI will be bringing you the killer app of 5G. The slicing capabilities embedded in 5G have not yet been fully used, but AI will be the key that truly activates them.” She also highlighted that AI innovation will not be limited to cloud computing but will also be deeply integrated at the edge, where telecom operators play a critical role in bridging the gap between cloud and edge AI deployments.

Of course, that isn’t the only way AI is seeping into the telecom industry; Industry players are urged to drive network security with the help of AI. Benedicte Schilbred Fasmer (CEO, Telenor Group) stressed that trust and security must evolve alongside AI-driven connectivity, warning that telecoms have historically built the infrastructure but failed to capture its full monetization potential. She emphasized the need for AI-driven security solutions as both a growth area and a trust-building mechanism.

Mobile Innovations And AI @ MWC25

Some key announcements surrounding AI caught spectators:

• Apple surprised industry observers by choosing Google’s Gemini AI over OpenAI’s ChatGPT for on-device AI processing, prioritizing data privacy and efficiency.
• Honor announced major investments in AI-driven ecosystems, focusing on agentic AI and open collaboration for next-gen mobile experiences. Succeeding CES announcements and uproar over agentic AI, this reveal puts into perspective the fast pace of innovations in this sector.
• Samsung came to MWC25 with several AI-powered advancements across mobile, health, home, and networks, enhancing real-time device intelligence. Attendees could experience the S25 Ultra’s 15W Qi2 Wireless Charging, which we thought was pretty. Furthermore, Galaxy AI in healthcare solutions stood out quite a bit at their booth. (See link for all announcements and displays by Samsung)

The key takeaway? AI is no longer just an innovation—it’s the foundation for the future of mobile experiences.

A Lot of Impressive Foldable Smartphone Designs @ MWC25

Flagship devices launched at MWC 2025 pushed the limits of camera technology, battery efficiency, and foldable designs.

• Huawei has displayed its HUAWEI Mate XT which can fold three times. 
• Honor exhibited its 7.9” Honor Magic V with the new generation 4nm 5G SoC Snapdragon 8 processor, Coupled with OS Turbo X, GPU Turbo X, and LINK Turbo
• Xiaomi 15 Ultra was awarded the ‘best phone’ title thanks to its 200MP periscope telephoto camera, significantly improving low-light photography. Xiaomi also displayed another photography wonder this year: the 15 ultra photography kit which enables professional camera capabilities in a compact design.
• OPPO Find N5 was the event’s new ultra-thin, lightweight foldable design.
• Nothing Phone 3A Pro: With AI-driven “Essential Space” for streamlined content management
• TECNO Phantom Ultimate 2: a multi-fold design, this concept phone features an expansive 10-inch display when fully unfolded.
• Infinix Zero Mini Concept: Infinix presented a flip-style tri-fold device that is extremely compact when fully closed. This concept could potentially be used as an action camera due to its small size
• Lenovo showcased several innovative screen technologies:
  • Three-Screen Displays: Designed for multitasking across multiple screens.
  • Twin Screens: Compact designs enabling dual-screen productivity.
  • Extending Screens: Flexible displays that expand for additional workspace.

These foldable smartphone designs, amongst others in the market, entail specialized charging solutions (wired and wireless, both) that adapt to their unique form factors. This could include wireless charging systems optimized for foldable designs or fast charging technologies that quickly replenish larger batteries. WAWT was impressed with the advancement in the wireless power solution and design innovations in these thinner smartphones which had up to 100W of proprietary wireless power solution, and some were also built with wireless power transceivers that can power share other devices at up to 15W levels. 

As foldable smartphones become more mainstream, the demand for specialized power supply components is expected to grow. This could lead to increased competition among suppliers of power management ICs, batteries, and charging solutions. To understand the impact these foldable phones could have on the charging industry, contact our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs).

Wireless Power: Innovations And Trends

We closely tracked the Wireless Charging trends for you at MWC 2025. The profound adoption of Qi2 in wirelessly charging mobile phones, other mobile devices (smartwatches, wireless earphones) and accessory applications (lighting, furniture, power banks, multi-device chargers, etc.) was evident. After the Samsung S25 Ultra break-in with the Qi2, this much was expected by industry players. Qi2 (with and without magnets) along with other WPT technologies was spread amongst wearables like smartwatches, wireless earphones, wireless headsets, smart glasses, smart rings, fitness chargers, battery packs, and others. We found the HMD Amped Bugs Charging case quite intriguing; the charging case combines dual functionality as a power bank and a Qi2 wireless charging pad, enabling it to wirelessly charge iPhones, Android smartphones, and other compatible devices. 

Apart from Qi2 technology, witnessing Wi-charge’s patented infrared-based ‘distance’ wireless charging technology fueled optimism, especially considering the alleged 30m range of the solution. WAWT expects a shift in the technological trend toward the investment, development, and commercialization of long-distance wireless power transfers. This is indicated not only by the exhibition and intention to invest in technologies like Infrared, RF, RFID, and mmWave, but the mere convenience complemented by expanding the range of wireless power transfer (WPT). Though the distance wireless charging segment is going through challenging times, WAWT expects them to tap some killer applications and grow the adoption levels sooner rather than later. There is optimism surrounding bidirectional WPT solutions too. Please consider connecting with our SMEs to learn more. 

Whereas, Solace Power unveiled the LINXC Bridge System, a Li-Fi-based solution for fixed wireless access providers. It combines data transfer with wireless power delivery of up to 20 watts through Windows, offering low latency and download speeds up to 5 Gbps. This innovation could transform broadband deployment by eliminating complex installations.

Infinix went around an unconventional route with its solar-powered phone case that uses Solar Energy-Reserving Technology to charge devices using sunlight wirelessly. The technology offers a renewable energy alternative but remains dependent on bright light conditions, making its practicality limited in indoor or cloudy environments. WAWT experts think that while it aligns with ongoing efforts to develop sustainable energy solutions, its real-world impact depends on improvements in solar cell efficiency and energy storage. 

Infinix also introduced Sunflower Wireless Charging, an adaptive power transfer system that adjusts energy output based on a device’s position. Inspired by how plants optimize sunlight absorption, this system aims to improve charging efficiency and reduce energy waste. If implemented effectively, it could address some of the inefficiencies in current wireless charging methods, such as uneven power distribution and heat buildup. However, whether this system significantly enhances real-world performance remains to be seen, as wireless charging still faces limitations in energy transfer rates and overall efficiency compared to wired solutions.

There were few other consumer electronics OEMs like Lenovo who have introduced sustainable charging technologies i.e. solar and ambient powered solutions.

On the other hand, Belkin presented a range of fast-charging hubs and multi-device wireless pads, designed to support simultaneous charging of multiple devices. Notable launches include the BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Wireless Travel Pad (3-in-1) with Qi2 fast charging, the 11-in-1 Pro GaN Dock supporting three external displays, and the BoostCharge Power Bank with Display (10K & 20K) featuring USB-C fast charging and a digital display. Additionally, the SoundForm Surround Headphones offer ENC, 60-hour battery life, and dual-device pairing. Anker was another player who demonstrated a couple of its innovative wireless power chargers.

Confirming WAWT’s recent report on wireless power smart glasses and smart rings applications saw increased awareness, interest, and adoption of wireless charging solutions. NFC Wireless Charging technology is expected to gain some ground in these and other small battery-powered applications. With few large consumer electronics and smartphone OEMs expected to launch their wireless power-enabled wearables, hearables and eyewear applications, this segment is expected to boom and grow relatively faster.

Power supplies for AI-driven datacentres

WAWT witnessed the introduction of relevant high-power, high-energy efficient power supply solutions specifically developed for AI-driven data center applications (especially powering GPUs). Companies like Huawei, Dell, HP, Intel, and Ericsson were few of them to demonstrate them. The power classes were seen to be faster growing from 1.5kw to 3.5kw, to 10kw solutions, and even higher. Various cooling technologies were also being demonstrated at MWC 2025 reaffirming many of our projections that 2024/2025 would be a breakthrough year for the introduction (adoption) of liquid cooling and immersion cooling technology. Please do get in contact with our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for more detailed trends and insights on the power supply market.

EV Charging Innovations and Trends at MWC 2025

WAWT also covers the EV charging and infrastructure market. MWC 2025 reaffirmed many of our projections:

• Increased investment in inductive EV charging systems, particularly with the adoption of the SAE J2954 standard. This standard facilitates wireless power transfer at up to 11 kW with an impressive efficiency of 93%. It lays the groundwork for dynamic wireless charging, allowing vehicles to charge while in motion, which could revolutionize EV usage by eliminating range anxiety and reducing downtime for charging breaks.
• Much like every other field, AI entering EV charging leaves room for uncertainties along with much-needed optimization. AI can optimize energy usage across EV networks, ensuring that charging is not only efficient but also cost-effective.
• There is now also a shift in the optimism of infrastructure to V2G model calling for bidirectional charging capabilities of EV charging systems.
• The fuss over reducing charging time remains. (Executives from Zunder were quite insightful about realizing an ultra-fast EV charging network)

Final Insight: The Road Ahead

MWC 2025 reaffirmed that AI is no longer just an innovation—it is the foundation of mobile technology. 5G, edge computing, and AI-driven networks will reshape telecom. Wireless power solutions, from far-field charging to V2G, will define the next era of energy efficiency and sustainability. And, e-mobility (e-bikes and e-scooters) and robotic applications as well as medical technology and pet care devices were also gaining lots of floor space at MWC 2025.

The emergence of foldable smartphones and multi-screen devices will drive demand for specialized power supply solutions. As the industry moves forward, cross-sector collaborations, sustainability, and AI-powered automation will dictate the next generation of mobile and telecom advancements.

Footnote

WAWT has endeavored to capture as much news, trends, and insight on the wireless power and power supply markets through its full presence and a lot of meetings at the MWC25 and by engaging with industry associates before and after this key event.

Please note that the above news and trend items are not a complete and exhaustive list but represent the profile of news and announcements made at MWC25. Additionally, the news items listed above are not presented in any specific order or hierarchy. WAWT would like to take this opportunity to give due credit and thank the participating publications and external sources for help in compiling this comprehensive list of news and insights related to MWC25.

We would appreciate your feedback on the above insight report from WAWT covering MWC25 in Barcelona. More details related to such news, trends, and insights and their impact on the total market size are covered in WAWT’s subscription-based research services “Wireless Power Intelligence Service” and “Power Supply Intelligence Service”.

To discuss these latest market trends and insights further, please feel free to contact our subject matter expert, Dinesh Kithany, Founder and Chief Analyst of Wired and Wireless Technology (WAWT) at analyst@wawt.tech or write to us at WAWT.

Wired and Wireless Technology (WAWT) is the leading and most trustworthy strategic technology analyst and consulting firm focusing on the wireless power and power supply industry. No one covers and delivers critical market data, insights, intelligence, and strategy on these markets like WAWT.