Apple Finally getting Serious about Wireless Charging Systems

Apple isn’t the only one attempting to make charging easier for everyone, though: the WPC, for one, is improving the Qi wireless standard so that it can charge devices from a short distance.

The biggest problems with the technology are that, despite ongoing advancements, your phone and charger still need to be very close together to work, and wireless charging isn’t very efficient compared to a good old wire.

Bloomberg’s sources indicated that Apple is now working with suppliers in Asia on the tech, with a possible debut sometime in 2017. No kidding. In fact, it’s likely been working on wireless charging for years by this points. And sales of the iPhone are flattening as smartphone penetration rates plateau and replacement cycles slow.

Wireless charging could finally be coming to Apple devices as soon as 2017, but unlike the technology of its competitors, it is reportedly capable of charging even from an extended distance.

Trudy Muller, a spokeswoman for Apple, declined to comment when contacted by Bloomberg News.

Apple aims to introduce technology that would allow its iPhone and iPad users to charge their devices further away than the charging mats used with current smartphones. That year, the company filed an application for a concept that would allow customers to use their personal Apple computer as a wireless charging hub within a 1 meter radius.

Wireless charging is not something entirely new. The all-in-one lightning connector will both serve as a charging port, head phone jack, and other input-required features.

Rumors have been swirling about such a new, small iPhone for months, and have caused much debate.

If Apple does add wireless charging, it’s unlikely to remove the traditional power cord as this will still be required for connecting to a Macbook or PC. This patent explored the possibility of Apple a mobile device’s haptic engine, or the vibration component, and speaker/microphone coils to transfer power to a device.