This review discusses recent advancements and challenges in the development and application of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for water electrolysis. AEMs are promising alternatives to existing technologies like alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. AWE is cost-effective and stable but has lower hydrogen production efficiency. PEM is efficient but expensive and less stable. AEMs offer a balance between efficiency and cost, but they face challenges in hydrogen production efficiency, long-term stability, and cost-effectiveness under working conditions. The review highlights research progress on AEMs, focusing on polymer structure and performance, and aims to identify methods to improve ion conductivity and alkaline stability. It also discusses future research directions for commercializing AEMs based on current patent applications. AEMs consist of a polymer backbone and cationic functional groups, crucial for their performance and lifespan. Polymer backbones must have good mechanical and thermal stability, while cationic functional groups must be stable under alkaline conditions. Research has focused on improving alkaline stability by modifying cationic functional groups and polymer backbones. Strategies include designing structures without β-H to inhibit Hofmann elimination, increasing steric hindrance, and introducing electron-donating groups. Polymer backbones with aromatic ether groups have been studied, but they are prone to degradation. Alternatives like polyolefins and non-aromatic ether polymers are being explored. Ion conductivity of AEMs can be enhanced by increasing ion exchange capacity (IEC) and designing microphase-separated structures. Block copolymer AEMs have shown high ion conductivity but are polydisperse and have higher water uptake. Organic-inorganic hybridization can improve conductivity and mechanical properties by incorporating inorganic nanofillers. Crosslinking agents are used to improve mechanical strength and dimensional stability. Composite membranes with functional additives like ion exchange polymers and metal oxides have shown excellent performance. Patent research indicates that composite membranes, ether-free main chains, and microphase-separated structures are promising directions for AEM development. These advancements aim to improve the performance and commercial viability of AEMs for water electrolysis.This review discusses recent advancements and challenges in the development and application of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) for water electrolysis. AEMs are promising alternatives to existing technologies like alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) and proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis. AWE is cost-effective and stable but has lower hydrogen production efficiency. PEM is efficient but expensive and less stable. AEMs offer a balance between efficiency and cost, but they face challenges in hydrogen production efficiency, long-term stability, and cost-effectiveness under working conditions. The review highlights research progress on AEMs, focusing on polymer structure and performance, and aims to identify methods to improve ion conductivity and alkaline stability. It also discusses future research directions for commercializing AEMs based on current patent applications. AEMs consist of a polymer backbone and cationic functional groups, crucial for their performance and lifespan. Polymer backbones must have good mechanical and thermal stability, while cationic functional groups must be stable under alkaline conditions. Research has focused on improving alkaline stability by modifying cationic functional groups and polymer backbones. Strategies include designing structures without β-H to inhibit Hofmann elimination, increasing steric hindrance, and introducing electron-donating groups. Polymer backbones with aromatic ether groups have been studied, but they are prone to degradation. Alternatives like polyolefins and non-aromatic ether polymers are being explored. Ion conductivity of AEMs can be enhanced by increasing ion exchange capacity (IEC) and designing microphase-separated structures. Block copolymer AEMs have shown high ion conductivity but are polydisperse and have higher water uptake. Organic-inorganic hybridization can improve conductivity and mechanical properties by incorporating inorganic nanofillers. Crosslinking agents are used to improve mechanical strength and dimensional stability. Composite membranes with functional additives like ion exchange polymers and metal oxides have shown excellent performance. Patent research indicates that composite membranes, ether-free main chains, and microphase-separated structures are promising directions for AEM development. These advancements aim to improve the performance and commercial viability of AEMs for water electrolysis.