<p>Recently, anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) has garnered significant global attention due to its promising potential in energy applications. The capabilities of AEMWE are increasingly recognized for their broad prospects in sustainable energy solutions. However, AEMWE currently still faces several challenges, particularly in terms of high costs and limited durability. These challenges are primarily influenced by the performance of the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), which are considered the "core" components of AEMWE. As a result, substantial efforts are focused on developing innovative materials and optimizing manufacturing processes to advance AEMWE. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review of the latest developments in key materials for AEMWE, with particular emphasis on how these advanced materials can be integrated into electrodes and MEAs. Additionally, future research and development directions for materials and MEA technologies are discussed. Our aim is to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial manufacturing processes, thereby fostering the continued advancement of AEMWE. Through this discussion, we seek to facilitate the widespread application of AEMWE in the energy sector and strengthen the connection between academic research and industrial practices.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>