Apple Seeking Supplier for Wireless Charging Chips
Rumors have suggested Apple is exploring wireless charging as a feature to be included in the 2017 iPhone, and a new report from Taiwanese site Economic Daily News [Google Translate] suggests Apple has begun seeking suppliers for wireless charging components. Apple is said to have asked semiconductor company MediaTek to send chip samples for inclusion in a "dedicated wireless charging back cover."
Based on the wording of the report, it's unclear if Apple is working on wireless charging built into the next-generation iPhone or a wireless charging case that would be used alongside the next-generation iPhone for wireless charging purposes, but DigiTimes says the report refers to "peripherals" like iPhone cases to "try out" wireless charging.
Previous rumors have suggested Apple is exploring
long-range wireless charging as a feature that could potentially be included in iPhones as soon as 2017. Long-range wireless charging
is superior to many existing wireless charging methods because it does not require devices to be as close to a charging source or mat.
Apple has also been hiring engineers with expertise in wireless charging in recent months, confirming a definite interest in wireless charging technology.
Wireless charging, whether implemented through a case or built directly into the iPhone, is just one of the many impressive features rumored for the 2017 iPhone, which is the 10th anniversary iPhone. The device is expected to feature a complete design overhaul with a glass body and an edge-to-edge display, along with advanced biometric features like iris scanning and an enhanced Taptic engine to make up for the elimination of the Home button.
Popular Stories
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch.
Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More
Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker.
For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com.
The new...
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released.
iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months.
Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...
Apple plans to release new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Studio Display models in the first half of this year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman added that redesigned MacBook Pro models with an OLED touch screen "should be hitting toward the end of 2026," meaning that the MacBook Pro line would be upgraded twice this year.
First up...
