Previewed at WWDC, launching in the fall.
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.
An example of extended-range wireless charging from Energous, a company Apple could potentially be working with
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.
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.
Tags: udn.com, Economic Daily News
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 8 (Caution), iPhone X (Neutral)
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23 months ago
Darn, so that more or less confirms that there won't be any wireless charging option this year. I guess if they can make it truly wireless then it's for sure worth another year wait. Just please bring fast charging
23 months ago
Extended range wireless charging will be the biggest thing since the internet if it works as seamlessly as demonstrated in that video.
23 months ago
Yeah, seems to hint that we won't be getting wireless charging in the iPhone 7, although if I'm honest I wasn't really expecting it. Wireless charging even at the 'basic' level should have been included at least since the iPhone 6. It's such a shame that we have to wait (if it's even planned) to get a feature thats been well proven and reliable to be included in a premium handset. I'd much rather have the 'basic'/close-range wireless charging now than having to wait so long for a truly wireless charging technology to be developed.
I'm no longer bothered about the lack of innovation at Apple since we're not even fully benefitting from existing technologies that have been around for a while on other handsets.
I'm no longer bothered about the lack of innovation at Apple since we're not even fully benefitting from existing technologies that have been around for a while on other handsets.
23 months ago
I find it rediculous that we are looking at the 2017 iPhone as the real upgrade from the 2014 iphone.
23 months ago
Extended range wireless charging will be the biggest thing since the internet if it works as seamlessly as demonstrated in that video.
Damn right it will. If Apple pulls this off it's going to be truly revolutionary in a way few technologies ever are.
23 months ago
Another reason not to buy iPhone 7 in 2016. What have Apple all employees been doing for a year? Expanding Apple stores? Changing 16GB to 32GB? Increasing geekbench score from 4400 to 5400? No innovation, no new macs, too many product lines, too complex product names. Welcome to 1996. Tim needs to go.
iPad, iPad 2, iPad 3, New iPad, iPad 4th Gen, iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4... Do you remember all these fxx names? It should have been iPad 1, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad 5, iPad 6, iPad 7, iPad 8...
iPad, iPad 2, iPad 3, New iPad, iPad 4th Gen, iPad mini, iPad Air, iPad mini 2, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4... Do you remember all these fxx names? It should have been iPad 1, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad 5, iPad 6, iPad 7, iPad 8...
23 months ago
Who the hell needs the Lightning port on a mobile device anyway? Or USB-C for that matter?
Hundreds of millions of people.I spend at least 30% of my day on my car.
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