Wireless charging is a technology that transmits power through an air gap to electrical devices for energy replenishment. Recent advancements in wireless charging techniques and commercial products have provided a promising alternative to address the energy bottleneck of conventional battery-powered devices. However, integrating wireless charging into existing wireless communication systems presents challenges in implementation, scheduling, and power management. This article provides a comprehensive overview of wireless charging techniques, technical standards, and their recent advances in network applications. It reviews static charger scheduling strategies, mobile charger dispatch strategies, and wireless charger deployment strategies. Additionally, it discusses open issues and challenges in implementing wireless charging technologies and envisions future network applications. Wireless charging technologies include inductive coupling, magnetic resonance coupling, and RF/microwave radiation. Inductive coupling is suitable for short-range applications, while magnetic resonance coupling allows for longer distances. RF/microwave radiation is used for long-distance power transfer but is limited by safety concerns. Wireless charging has benefits such as improved user-friendliness, smaller device design, better durability, and flexibility. However, it incurs higher implementation costs compared to wired charging. Wireless charging technologies are advancing in two directions: radiative (RF-based) and non-radiative (coupling-based). Radiative charging uses electromagnetic waves, typically RF or microwaves, while non-radiative charging uses magnetic-field coupling between coils. Non-radiative charging is widely used in daily appliances due to its safety and efficiency. The article discusses the history and commercialization of wireless charging, including key milestones and developments. It covers the fundamentals of wireless charging, including different techniques, their applications, and hardware designs. It also reviews the specifications of leading international wireless charging standards and their implementations. The article highlights network applications, including static charger scheduling, mobile charger dispatch, and wireless charger deployment strategies. It discusses open research directions and future network applications of wireless charging. The article concludes with a summary of the key findings and future directions in wireless charging technology.Wireless charging is a technology that transmits power through an air gap to electrical devices for energy replenishment. Recent advancements in wireless charging techniques and commercial products have provided a promising alternative to address the energy bottleneck of conventional battery-powered devices. However, integrating wireless charging into existing wireless communication systems presents challenges in implementation, scheduling, and power management. This article provides a comprehensive overview of wireless charging techniques, technical standards, and their recent advances in network applications. It reviews static charger scheduling strategies, mobile charger dispatch strategies, and wireless charger deployment strategies. Additionally, it discusses open issues and challenges in implementing wireless charging technologies and envisions future network applications. Wireless charging technologies include inductive coupling, magnetic resonance coupling, and RF/microwave radiation. Inductive coupling is suitable for short-range applications, while magnetic resonance coupling allows for longer distances. RF/microwave radiation is used for long-distance power transfer but is limited by safety concerns. Wireless charging has benefits such as improved user-friendliness, smaller device design, better durability, and flexibility. However, it incurs higher implementation costs compared to wired charging. Wireless charging technologies are advancing in two directions: radiative (RF-based) and non-radiative (coupling-based). Radiative charging uses electromagnetic waves, typically RF or microwaves, while non-radiative charging uses magnetic-field coupling between coils. Non-radiative charging is widely used in daily appliances due to its safety and efficiency. The article discusses the history and commercialization of wireless charging, including key milestones and developments. It covers the fundamentals of wireless charging, including different techniques, their applications, and hardware designs. It also reviews the specifications of leading international wireless charging standards and their implementations. The article highlights network applications, including static charger scheduling, mobile charger dispatch, and wireless charger deployment strategies. It discusses open research directions and future network applications of wireless charging. The article concludes with a summary of the key findings and future directions in wireless charging technology.