Apple Reportedly Testing Wireless Charging Coils for iWatch Ahead of Fall Launch

Apple is once again said to be considering wireless charging capabilities for the iWatch, according to a various Chinese media reports citing sources at Apple supplier Luxshare (Google Translate, via GforGames).

Balogh-iwatch

Traditional watch-style iWatch concept based on TRIWA's Havana Nevil Brown watch, by Gábor Balogh

The Shenzen-based company has reportedly sent Apple wireless charging coils for certification, and pending approval, will likely be providing the wireless charging modules for the iWatch. The report also notes that the iWatch will launch in the second half of this year pending production times.

A report last December also stated that Apple would include wireless charging capabilities in the iWatch, allowing the device to charge from up to a meter away. The iWatch's battery life has been previously reported as a problem for Apple, with iWatch prototypes lasting only 1-2 days on a charge and the company hoping to find ways to extend that to 4-5 days. While wireless charging would be one way to reduce the burden of frequent charges, it is still unclear exactly how it would be implemented in the device's body.

Rumors have indicated Apple's iWatch will contain several different biometric sensors allowing it to track health-related metrics like heart rate, sleep quality and more. The sensors will aggregate data that will be stored in a rumored "Healthbook" application, slated for inclusion in iOS 8.

Along with health-related functionality, the iWatch will likely integrate with the iPhone and iPad to provide notifications and quick access to frequently used apps and services.

Apple's iWatch is rumored to ship later this year two different sizes to accommodate different sized wrists. A report last week stated the the device will feature a round face similar to that of Motorola's Moto 360 smart watch, with production beginning in late July.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

Top Rated Comments

TechGod Avatar
122 months ago
I'm excited to see what Apple does.



When ever Apple releases a new product they generally do it right:)
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
polterbyte Avatar
122 months ago
I very much doubt Apple will be testing anything now for a fall launch.

Anything launching in fall will be done by now, I'd imagine.

I agree. Still, Apple usually has more than one supplier for several of their product's parts.The tech may already be in place, and Apple might be just developing other suppliers. These guys could simply be a (soon-to-be-dropped-due-to-big-mouth) potential secondary source of these parts.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Brian Y Avatar
122 months ago
I very much doubt Apple will be testing anything now for a fall launch.

Anything launching in fall will be done by now, I'd imagine.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Edsel Avatar
122 months ago
Variable rate charging, suitable in office environments, I have the perfect wireless charging station for iWatch.....

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AngryCorgi Avatar
122 months ago
Samsung have had official Qi wireless charging support in several of their devices / add-ons for over a year; for example, the official Qi charger plate for the Note 3 and the S4.

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Wireless-Charging-Battery/dp/B00F3587RA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1401359103&sr=8-6&keywords=Note+3+qi

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Compatible-Wireless-Charging-Charger/dp/B00F358AVI/ref=pd_sim_cps_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=195CEEX2NF28FN5VSM1W

That is, it's not Samsung that is going to follow Apple this time (either) - the opposite.

In related news, it appears Samsung is close to acquiring Xerox for an undisclosed sum. Rumor has it they are interested mostly in the copier side of the business.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
576316 Avatar
122 months ago
Dear Apple, wireless charing for iPhones please (even if it's slow). Many thanks.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Apple won't include wireless charging until the technology is useful enough. For example, rather than charging your device by placing it onto a charging 'pad' (barely anymore useful than just plugging your phone in), Apple would rather allow you to charge your phone wirelessly from wherever you are in your house regardless of where the 'base' is. THAT'S useful.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Details: Action Button, USB-C Port, Face ID, and More

Wednesday September 27, 2023 1:34 pm PDT by
Significant changes are expected to arrive with Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE, in terms of both design and hardware, MacRumors has learned. The iPhone SE 4, known internally under the codename Ghost, is expected to receive a new design derived almost entirely from the base model iPhone 14. According to our sources, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis...
Multi Display CarPlay 1

All-New Apple CarPlay Launching Later This Year With These 5 New Features

Friday September 29, 2023 11:29 am PDT by
At WWDC 2022 last year, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, personalization options, and more. Apple said the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience would be announced in late 2023, but it has still not shared any additional...
iOS 17

Everything New in iOS 17.1 Beta 1

Wednesday September 27, 2023 1:57 pm PDT by
Just a week after releasing iOS 17, Apple has seeded the first beta of iOS 17.1 to developers. iOS 17.1 adds some features that Apple promised were coming to iOS 17 in the future, plus it refines and improves some existing features. This guide covers everything new in the first iOS 17.1 beta. Apple Music Favorites You can favorite songs, albums, playlists, and artists in the iOS 17.1...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Concerns Highlighted in Two More Reports

Thursday September 28, 2023 6:25 am PDT by
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max overheating concerns continue to make headlines this week, with the topic highlighted by The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. Both of the reports document anecdotal complaints from customers, and outline potential causes, but it's unclear how many devices are actually affected. Bloomberg said the overheating could be caused or compounded by the iPhone's setup...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update

Saturday September 30, 2023 9:28 am PDT by
Apple plans to release an iOS 17 update to address a bug that may contribute to the reported iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, according to a statement the company shared today with MacRumors and Forbes reporter David Phelan. Apple also says some recent updates to third-party apps have overloaded the system and contributed to the overheating issue. The report notes that...
iPhone 15 USB C Port Keynote

Some USB-C Power Banks Fail to Work With iPhone 15

Thursday September 28, 2023 2:06 pm PDT by
Apple added a USB-C port to the iPhone 15 lineup this year, allowing it to work with USB-C cables, USB-C power banks, and more. It turns out that some USB-C battery packs are not working properly with Apple's iPhone 15, resulting in charging issues. As highlighted on Reddit and the MacRumors forums, not all existing USB-C power banks can be used with the iPhone 15 models, perhaps due to the...
iOS 17

Apple Releases iOS 17.0.2 and iPadOS 17.0.2 for All iPhones and iPads

Tuesday September 26, 2023 12:47 pm PDT by
Apple today released iOS 17.0.2 and iPadOS 17.0.2 updates, with the software coming five days after the releases of iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1. Today's iOS 17.0.2 and iPadOS 17.0.2 updates arrive as build 21A351 and can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Note that iOS 17.0.2 was previously made available for iPhone...