Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo introduce UFCS 2.0 unified fast charging standard
In a significant step toward reducing fragmentation in mobile charging technology, Chinese smartphone manufacturers Huawei, Honor, Oppo, and Vivo have jointly announced the adoption of UFCS (Universal Fast Charging Standard) 2.0. The announcement was made during the UFCS Industry Development Conference held on May 22 in Shenzhen.
Background of UFCS
The original UFCS protocol was introduced in 2021 by Huawei, Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi as an initiative to streamline fast charging standards across brands. The goal was to create a unified framework that enhances cross-brand compatibility and simplifies the charging experience for users.
What’s New in UFCS 2.0?
The second-generation UFCS brings a number of meaningful improvements over the original version. One of the most notable is support for 40W unauthenticated charging. This means smartphones can now charge at higher speeds without the need for brand-specific authentication between chargers and cables — a move that promotes broader interoperability.
Another key addition is reverse charging support, allowing users to charge other devices regardless of the brand. This opens up more flexibility for consumers who use multiple devices from different manufacturers.
UFCS 2.0 also makes PowerChange, a feature that enables real-time power adjustment by the charger based on the connected device, a mandatory component. This ensures that chargers automatically detect the device’s requirements and adjust power output accordingly — improving both charging efficiency and user safety, especially when using third-party accessories.
A Win for Consumers
The collaboration between these four major smartphone brands marks a major shift in the fast-charging landscape. Until now, each manufacturer promoted its own proprietary solutions, which led to a confusing array of standards and limited cross-brand compatibility. UFCS 2.0 represents a move toward standardization, at least within the Chinese market.
Will UFCS Go Global?
It remains uncertain whether UFCS 2.0 will expand beyond China or be adopted by global competitors like Samsung or Apple, both of whom continue to use their own charging ecosystems. As long as companies stick to isolated protocols, users will remain dependent on the brand of their device and its accessories.
Still, this development is a promising sign that the industry is beginning to prioritize user convenience and compatibility — a move that could influence broader change in the years ahead.
