Apple Experimenting With 'New Way of Charging' for 2012 iPhone

Wednesday July 6, 2011 9:38 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
Expanding on its report from earlier today regarding Apple's preparations toward a thinner and lighter next-generation iPhone set for launch in the September timeframe, The Wall Street Journal now reports that Apple is working on more ambitious plans for the 2012 iPhone, experimenting with a number of changes including a "new way of charging" the device.
Investors expect a bigger boost to Apple's phone business next year. People briefed on Apple's plans said the company is planning a major iPhone revamp then, with one person saying the company has been experimenting with features such as a new way of charging the phone.
It is unclear exactly what charging mechanisms Apple is exploring, but it is possible that the company is considering using induction charging or some other similar wireless system that would negate the need to plug in a cable. Combined with wireless syncing coming in iOS 5, wireless charging could truly make the iPhone a cable-free device.


Today's report from The Wall Street Journal also reiterates earlier claims from a variety of sources, including the Journal itself, regarding Apple's work on a less expensive iPhone, noting that the form factor in testing is reported to have an edge-to-edge screen.
Apple has also been working on a less-expensive phone with new features such as an edge-to-edge screen, according to this person.
Rumors of a smaller iPhone, sometimes dubbed the "iPhone nano", have been circulating for a number of years, and there still appears to me no stated timeframe for a release of such a product.

Tag: wsj.com
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bpeeps
112 months ago
I hear the iPhone 7 is going to be a spaceship.
Rating: 40 Votes
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NT1440
112 months ago
If not inductive charging, perhaps we will see those mobile device magsafe patents actually being put to use?
Rating: 13 Votes
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funman895
112 months ago

So instead of carrying around a standard iPod/iPhone USB cable for charging, I have to carry around an induction charger? No thanks.


I doubt Apple would drop 30-pin support, so odds are you have your induction charger at home and carry around your usb cable on the go.
Rating: 12 Votes
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AppleMactablet
112 months ago
Solar panel casing. Thanks Apple
Rating: 11 Votes
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liavman
112 months ago
Dumb me, when I first read 'charging', I thought it is referring to a different way Apple is going to charge money for the iPhone ;)
Rating: 9 Votes
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ErikCLDR
112 months ago
No buttons, no plugs... steve's ideal iphone
Rating: 8 Votes
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slrandall
112 months ago

If not inductive charging, perhaps we will see those mobile device magsafe patents actually being put to use?


That'd be really nice. I'd like my cat's ability to yank my iPod off my desk taken away.
Rating: 8 Votes
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Marlor
112 months ago
So instead of carrying around a standard iPod/iPhone USB cable for charging, I have to carry around an induction charger? No thanks.
Rating: 8 Votes
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Chaszmyr
112 months ago

I hear the iPhone 7 is going to be a spaceship.


That's nothing, I hear the iPhone 9 is going to be a time machine.
Rating: 6 Votes
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n8236
112 months ago
You have to think like Apple. You have to also think like a geek without going all bonkers.

They will use a technology that's relatively mature, yet innovative in their sector. It will possess characteristics of high volume, relatively low cost production and ease of manufacturing.

While inductive charging is a possibility, it's not cost effective and it's not closely tied to their business model of doing things.

Solar, is a a tricky one. Most solar panels which are cheapest to produce tend to store very little energy over long periods of time. How often do your iPhone see light? Not only will they have to use high solar absorbing panel tech, but it will most likely be too costly to use.

I personally think it will be kinetic energy. They use it in watches and it's somewhat a mature technology. However, the biggest drawback is the amount of energy it produces. Very miniscule. Using this tech will be a form of battery assistance, so regular plug-in is still required.

Think about it. When you play games on the iPhone, a lot of the games are require physics and that's where kinetic will come into play. How often do take out or play with your phone? Is your phone low on battery? Take 5 minutes and swing it around (just don't toss it) to make emergency calls.

Apple's great at re-inventing the wheel and I will put my money down on this if I had to choose.
Rating: 5 Votes

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