From laptop batteries to global power: the rapid evolution of Anker

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: What began in 2011 as a niche provider of replacement laptop batteries has transformed into a massive electronics empire. Today, the Chinese manufacturer Anker powers everything from smartphones and smart homes to entire residential energy grids, navigating high-stakes security controversies and massive product recalls along the way.

Founded in 2011 by Steven Yang in Shenzhen, Anker Innovations initially focused on a narrow hardware niche: replacement laptop batteries. However, the company quickly pivoted toward the burgeoning smartphone market, expanding into wall adapters, portable power banks, and charging cables. By 2014, the company's leadership was bolstered by the hiring of Zhao Dongping, the former head of Google's sales in China, signaling an era of aggressive global expansion.

The company's portfolio has since diversified into several specialized sub-brands. The audio brand, soundcore, launched in 2018 to capitalize on the success of wireless audio devices, while eufy focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT), including robotic vacuums and security cameras. More recently, Anker has moved into residential energy with the Anker SOLIX brand, offering systems like the E10, a modular whole-home backup system launched in January 2026 that can expand from 6 kWh to 90 kWh.

This rapid growth has not been without significant friction. In 2022, the eufy brand faced scrutiny after security researcher Paul Moore discovered that webcam images were being uploaded to AWS servers despite claims of local-only storage. Furthermore, the company has faced manufacturing hurdles; in June 2025, Anker issued a voluntary recall for five PowerCore models due to lithium-ion battery issues. By September 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 33 incidents of fire and explosion involving approximately 481,000 units.

As of late 2025, Anker remains at the center of geopolitical and regulatory interest. In September 2025, John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, requested a U.S. Department of Commerce investigation into the firm regarding potential tariff evasion and security risks.

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