As we approach Apple's iPhone 8 launch event in September, rumors are flying in and out. One of the rumors that has been circulating since February is that the next-generation iPhone will feature wireless charging.
Today, TNW was able to confirm (with two independent sources) that Apple is indeed planning to add wireless charging to the iPhone 8. Citing sources familiar with the matter, Allen Fung, GM of mobile accessory maker RAVPower, said:
“The next iPhones will have the special wireless charging technology that we have in our charger. Our wireless charger will wirelessly charge the next iPhones at full speed, as well as other mobile devices.”
It should be noted that TNW is not known for leaking information about Apple.
RAVPower's wireless charging station for the iPhone 8.
While rumors earlier this year suggested a more exciting solution (which included long-distance Energous charging that would allow a device to be charged across a room), it seems likely that fans of the device will have to make do with the charging dock. The Qi or Airfuel protocol (the wireless charging solution that requires the device to maintain contact with a charging pad) will also be added to the iPhone. The Apple Watch already uses the Qi protocol, albeit slightly modified so that it doesn't work with official Qi chargers. (How will Apple fare if it works with "foreign" chargers?)
We cannot confirm whether Apple will use the Qi protocol again or a modified version of it.
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It should be mentioned that Apple, in its eagerness to present something "new" that will help it prevail in the market, seems to be discounting the term "innovation." No, a charger with a dock is not innovative, but I'm sure it will be one of the main promotional features in the marketing of the upcoming device.
I'm sure that along with Apple, there will be millions of fun boys who will also discount the term "innovation" and wait in line to buy an expensive device just to get at least a little wireless charging..
On the other hand, connecting to a charging base (albeit without cables) is certainly not the sexiest solution, but it's a start.
