In the field of mobile batteries, “iWALK” develops products that combine compactness and convenience. Many people may feel that it is a global brand because it can be found on Amazon and in electronics retail stores.
However, where the company is based, when it first appeared on the market, and what features it has are not widely known. Here, we will organize what kind of brand iWALK is based on publicly available trademark information, official history, and the latest product recall information.
What you will learn in this article!
This article is available in video format ↓
What country is iWALK from?
Key points of this heading!
iWALK is a company from China
iWALK is a brand developed by U2O GLOBAL CO., LTD. (厦门广开电子有限公司), which is headquartered and has its factory in Xiamen, China. Since its founding in 2003, the company has focused on mobile power-related products. In addition to China, it has a design office in South Korea and a branch in the United States, and most of its manufacturing is done in China.
Ms.GadgetsI thought it was an American brand!
Mr.GadgetsIt looks that way because of its global specifications in appearance and packaging, but its registration and manufacturing are based in China.
The history of iWALK
- 2003: Founding (established in Xiamen with investment in Korean technology)
- 2004: Proposed the concept of “mobile power” in China
- 2005: Launched the first mobile power series “i-UP” in China
- 2008: Launched the iWALK brand
- 2009: Launched the first Apple-certified mobile power supply / US trademark registration
- 2011: Established a US branch
- 2012: 41 countries have sales partners
- 2013: Expanded to over 40 countries worldwide, won various awards
- 2015: Partnership with China Mobile
- 2019: Ranked in the top 3 in the Amazon mobile battery category
- 2023: Ranked 1st in the Amazon mobile battery category
- 2024: Won iF & Red Dot design awards, featured in Forbes
- May 29, 2025: The US CPSC announced a recall of “iWALK Magnetic Wireless Power Banks” due to the risk of fire and burns (27,500 units)
iWALK was founded in 2003 as U2O GLOBAL CO., LTD. in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. Since its inception, the company has focused on the development of power supplies for mobile devices, launching China’s first mobile power series “i-UP” in 2005. In 2008, it began to actively develop the iWALK brand.
Ms.GadgetsIs it true that they claimed to be the “world’s first” direct-plug battery?
Mr.GadgetsThat is the manufacturer’s claim, and there is no official record. However, it is true that they commercialized direct-plug types from the 2000s.
After that, in 2009, they announced an Apple-certified model and registered a US trademark around the same time. In 2011, they established a US branch and expanded their sales partners to 41 countries the following year, increasing their presence in the international market. In 2013, they won international design awards and industry awards, dramatically increasing their brand recognition.
In recent years, they ranked in the top 3 in the Amazon mobile battery category in 2019 and 1st in the same category in 2023. They have also won prestigious international design awards such as the iF and Red Dot awards, and are highly regarded for both their technology and design.
Recall in the US in 2025
However, on May 29, 2025, the US CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) announced a recall of 27,500 units of iWALK Magnetic Wireless Power Banks due to the risk of fire and burns. This incident was a major turning point for the brand, highlighting the importance of safety management worldwide.
Ms.GadgetsWhat happened with the recall?
Mr.GadgetsThere were 15 reports of fires, 10 of which resulted in burn injuries.
Ms.GadgetsWow, that’s terrible.
The corresponding product models were also sold in Japan. They are currently still on sale ↓
Ms.GadgetsIs this okay?
Mr.GadgetsIt is unknown whether the recall was avoided because the product with the corresponding serial number was not sold in Japan, or whether no accidents have occurred in Japan yet.
Features of iWALK
Key points of this heading!
Mr.GadgetsLong-lasting brands have consistent product philosophies and marketing strategies. In the case of iWALK, the core is “portability and integration.”
Product features
iWALK’s product line can be broadly classified into three categories.
- Direct-plug type (LinkMe/LinkPod series)
Small batteries that can be directly connected to the charging port of a smartphone. They can reduce the load on your luggage because they can be used without a cable when you are out. - Cable built-in type (Scorpion series)
Lightning or USB-C cables are stored in the main unit, supporting multiple types of devices. - Wireless/magnetic adsorption type
Charge by magnetically attaching to the back of a smartphone like MagSafe. They are convenient, but the recalled product also falls into this category.
Brand strategy features
- International trademark protection: Registered in the US, EU, and major Asian countries, mainly for Class 9 (electronic devices).
- Multi-base deployment: Manufacturing in China, design in South Korea, and sales bases in the United States.
- Balance of design and function: Product design that balances miniaturization and high output.
- Utilization of awards: Utilizing design awards and trade show awards to build brand credibility.
Ms.GadgetsDidn’t iWALK also have a name for medical devices?
Mr.GadgetsYes, iWALKFree in the US uses it for prosthetic legs, but they coexist as separate trademarks because the categories and countries are different.
Summary
iWALK is a mobile accessory brand developed by U2O GLOBAL CO., LTD., headquartered in China’s Xiamen, and has maintained a presence in the global market for over 20 years since its founding in 2003.
The company is praised for its product design focused on portability, such as direct-plug types and cable-built-in types, and has gained popularity on Amazon and at international trade shows. On the other hand, the US recall in 2025 was an incident that underscored the importance of safety management to the world. In the future, ensuring quality and safety will be a major focus in addition to design, functionality, and marketing strategies.
Ms.GadgetsI don’t recommend it.
This article was originally written in Japanese and has been translated.
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