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 (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

TechGod Avatar
128 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
128 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
128 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
128 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
128 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
128 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

reset password request iphone

Warning: Apple Users Targeted in Phishing Attack Involving Rapid Password Reset Requests

Tuesday March 26, 2024 4:34 pm PDT by
Phishing attacks taking advantage of Apple's password reset feature have become increasingly common, according to a report from KrebsOnSecurity. Multiple Apple users have been targeted in an attack that bombards them with an endless stream of notifications or multi-factor authentication (MFA) messages in an attempt to cause panic so they'll respond favorably to social engineering. An...
maxresdefault

Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May

Thursday March 28, 2024 11:07 am PDT by
Apple will introduce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in early May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman previously suggested the new iPads would come out in March, and then April, but the timeline has been pushed back once again. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple is working on updates to both the iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The iPad Pro models will...
Generic iOS 18 Feature Purple

iOS 18: What to Expect From 'Biggest' Update in iPhone's History

Wednesday March 27, 2024 11:10 am PDT by
At least some Apple software engineers continue to believe that iOS 18 will be the "biggest" update in the iPhone's history, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Below, we recap rumored features and changes for the iPhone. "The iOS 18 update is expected to be the most ambitious overhaul of the iPhone's software in its history, according to people working on the upgrade," wrote Gurman, in a r...
maxresdefault

Apple Announces WWDC 2024 Event for June 10 to 14

Tuesday March 26, 2024 10:02 am PDT by
Apple today announced that its 35th annual Worldwide Developers Conference is set to take place from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14. As with WWDC events since 2020, WWDC 2024 will be an online event that is open to all developers at no cost. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. WWDC 2024 will include online sessions and labs so that developers can learn about new...
apple maps 3d feature

Apple Maps May Gain Custom Routes With iOS 18

Tuesday March 26, 2024 3:10 pm PDT by
Apple may be planning to add support for "custom routes" in Apple Maps in iOS 18, according to code reviewed by MacRumors. Apple Maps does not currently offer a way to input self-selected routes, with Maps users limited to Apple's pre-selected options, but that may change in iOS 18. Apple has pushed an iOS 18 file to its maps backend labeled "CustomRouteCreation." While not much is revealed...
General iOS 17 Feature Orange Purple

Apple Releases Revised Versions of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 With Updated Build Number

Wednesday March 27, 2024 5:59 am PDT by
Apple on late Tuesday released revised versions of iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 with an updated build number of 21E237, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. The updates previously had a build number of 21E236. The revised updates are available for all iPhone and iPad models that are compatible with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, but they can only be installed via the Finder app on macOS...
applephilschiller

Apple's Phil Schiller Works 80 Hours a Week Overseeing App Store

Wednesday March 27, 2024 2:03 pm PDT by
With the App Store and app ecosystem undergoing major changes in the European Union, The Wall Street Journal today shared a profile on App Store chief Phil Schiller, who is responsible for the App Store. Though Schiller transitioned from marketing chief to "Apple Fellow" in 2020 to take a step back from Apple and spend more time on personal projects and friends, he is reportedly working...