Apple Exploring Wireless Charging for iPhone as Early as 2013?

Digitimes is reporting that both Apple and Samsung are expected to introduce wireless charging solutions for their "flagship models" of smartphones in 2013.

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While their "industry sources" pinpoint Qi inductive charging as the technology to be used by Samsung, Apple appears to be working on their own version of wireless charging.

Apple is likely to adopt the wireless charging technology developed internally, but it remains unknown if the next-generation iPhone will come with built-in wireless charging capability or with other attached accessories, said the sources.

Samsung's solution is said to be likely an add-on accessory to replace the back-cover of their smartphones. Palm used a similar back-cover replacement option for their short lived Touchstone wireless charging system for the Palm Pre. Digitimes' sources, however, weren't clear if Apple's solution would be built-in or an additional accessory.

Speculation has linked Apple to wireless charging solutions before, but Apple's Phil Schiller downplayed that possibility in late 2012. When questioned by AllThingsD about wireless charging systems:

As for wireless charging, Schiller notes that the wireless charging systems still have to be plugged into the wall, so it’s not clear how much convenience they add. The widely-adopted USB cord, meanwhile, can charge in wall outlets, computers and even on airplanes, he said.

Apple has previously been shown to have done research into magnetic resonance charging technology which is distinct from the more commonly used inductive wireless charging.

Digitimes has a mixed record with Apple rumors, so Apple's likelihood of incorporating such technology so soon remains uncertain.

Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

Dr McKay Avatar
161 months ago
Why on earth does anyone care about wireless charging?

Dont really see the advantage of this.

I don't see the benefit of a wireless charger. Don't you still have to set the device on a pad? How would you go about charging in your car? Would you have to lay the charging pad on the dash or the seat, and then pick up your phone whenever it slides off the pad?

The cord takes up essentially no desk space. A charging pad or dock would take up space on the desk. It just doesn't seem like a good idea beyond being a showroom feature.


It's more for the sake of a little extra convenience, I use a Wireless Charger because all I have to do is set it on a little orb and not fumble in the dark trying to find the port on the bottom. I also like the angle it sits at.



The lightning charger goes in both ways, is there a point? Yes, a little extra convenience. Is wireless syncing pointless? No, it's a little more convenient.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Klae17 Avatar
161 months ago
You guys complain about everything. If you don't like it don't get it. But don't cry about Apple lacking innovation when they don't do something you don't like but will end up buying anyways.

Annoying as hell and getting tired of it. Go on another site if you don't like what Apple is doing.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bryan85 Avatar
161 months ago
Dont really see the advantage of this.

+1

Honestly don't bother. They should focus on longer battery life.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
crisss1205 Avatar
161 months ago
If they can make it so the phone will charge if it is within, lets say 1 foot of the base station, I think that would be awesome. I could just put my phone on the nightstand/desk and have it charge automatically. This way I don't forget to charge it ever again.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngerDanger Avatar
161 months ago
Apple, give us what we really want: an upgraded, more expensive version of Lightning! Every adaptor cable should be at least dual core.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ballis Avatar
161 months ago
Dont really see the advantage of this.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)