Rival companies already have wireless charging as standard and you would think that Apple are now working out the necessities required for the iPhone to follow suit. The new technology would allow iPhones and iPads to be powered from further away than the charging mats used now for cordless charging of smartphones, the report said. But Apple still needs to get past some technical issues, such as the potential loss of power over distances.
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Apple is actively working on a wireless charging method for future iPhones, according to “people familiar with the plans ” speaking to Bloomberg Business. But an Apple patent describes technology that would use an iMac as a hub to wirelessly recharge other devices within a radius of about one meter.
Apple does use a type of wireless charging tech, an inductive charger, for its Apple Watch.
However, the company has filed patents related to wireless charging that might eliminate the need for a separate plug-in device. Unit sales typically drop over the next few quarters leading up to the next iPhone launch.
The more distance between the device and the charging plate, the longer the device takes to recharge.
We should note, Bloomberg’s track record is pretty good when it comes to reports on Apple’s plans, but rumors are just that: rumors.
Apple has stated in the past that the company is not interested in releasing wireless-charging solutions that still require something to be plugged in.
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Long-distance wireless charging could help Apple compete in a market that CEOTim Cook described this week as “bleak” and beset by “extreme conditions”, CNET noted. So don’t expect wireless charging to be a big new feature on this year’s “iPhone 7”.
