Over the past several iPhone model launches, there have been rumors about wireless charging being supported. However up until now only a select number of Android users have been able to enjoy this incredibly convenient technology. So are we now at a point where we should expect that Apple’s iPhone 8 will include a wireless charging feature? There is strong evidence including the fact that Apple has recently joined the Wireless Power Consoritum, which has only made more people believe that this rumor thatiPhone 8 wireless charging is going to come true.
Apple’s statement about joining the Wireless Power Consortium, as told to Business Insider includes, “Apple is an active member of many standards development organizations, as both a leader and contributor. Apple is joining the Wireless Power Consortium to be able to participate and contribute ideas to the open, collaborative development of future wireless charging standards.”
Originally, many felt that Apple’s new wireless charging would mean that iPhone 8 users would be able to charge their phone long-range without requiring a charging device, like a pad or cord. However, according to reports, it’s more likely that Apple will use inductive charging with it’s iPhone 8, similar to what many other companies currently do.
It’s possible that while Apple is interested in long-range charging for the iPhone 8, they wanted to roll out wireless charging as quickly as possible, which led them to choose an option that they could introduce to customers now. According to Vicky Yussuff, an analyst for IHS Technology, “The success of wireless charging adoption from Apple’s competitors is something that Apple can no longer ignore. IHS Technology consumer survey data shows over 90% of consumers want wireless charging on their next device.”
Wireless Power Consortium promotes Qi for wireless charging, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Qi is what Apple is going to use for their iPhone 8. Currently, the Apple Watch uses Qi for charging, but the Qi charger that’s used for the Apple Watch is specific to that device; the Watch cannot be charged using other types of Qi chargers. It’s possible that Apple is planning to also offer a customized Qi charger with the iPhone 8 as well. iPhone users may not even receive a traditional charger in their box when they purchase the newest model. If they prefer to charge their phone with a traditional charger, they’ll be able to purchase it separately as an add-on accessory.
Currently, if you’d like to charge your smartphone wirelessly, there are add-on accessories you can purchase. For example, receivers that stick on to your phone, as well as cases that will charge your phone wirelessly, are available on the market. Whether or Apple will finally make the feature available to the masses is up for debate. No matter how you will charge your next iPhone, you can count on PortPlugs to defend your device with our line of simple port protection accessories. For more about Apple’s wireless charging rumors, visit 9to5mac.com.