The company is now working with partners in Asia on the technology, but likely won’t introduce it before the next year, according to the report. However, problems like metallic interference of aluminum phone cases and the decreased efficiency of wireless charging have held the tech back from widespread adoption.
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A couple of months ago, we came across an Apple patent pointing towards inductive charging technology without using any external hardware. PCWorld’s Mark Hachman reported on a similar technology called Cota at CES, which can send power up to 10 meters away.
Developing wireless charging technology which does not require direct contact with a power mat is not an easy task. These sources say that the tech could be implemented in the 2017 updates for the iPhone and iPad line.
Further, people in the company who asked not to be identified, stated that the company is now working towards eliminating technical barriers, including the loss of power over distance.
Earlier competitors, like Samsung and Sony, have offered charging via mats, however power is often lost as distance from the source increases. It could be released as soon as next year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Apple wants to radically change how you charge your iPhone.
Another Apple patent from the end of 2015 describes a charging method that allows metal transparent radio signals to pass through the iPhone’s metallic casing. Imagine being able to charge an iPhone from across the room while it’s being held rather than having to plug it in or rest it on a charging plate.
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However, the charging device itself is bulky; hence further research is required to develop smaller wireless charging hubs that will convince an average user to ditch their small travel chargers.
