Apple’s Future iPhones May Get a Very Major Upgrade

Apple might as early as 2017 implement wireless-charging technology that charges iPhones and iPads within inches or feet of a wireless charging station, eliminating the need to place a device on a charging mat, Bloomberg reported.

According to insider sources speaking with Bloomberg, Apple is working with partners in the USA and Asia on the project. If Apple succeed with genuine wireless charging into future products, that’ll help the company further stand apart from competition. But the Cupertino company is working relentlessly to introduce innovative technologies in its next-gen iPhones to boost sales.

Six years ago, Apple filed a patent application that laid out the concept for an iMac computer that could serve as a wireless charging hub for mobile devices, according to Bloomberg.

If this technology does find its way into Apple’s device lineup, the company will reportedly reveal the tech sometime next year. Looking ahead to 2017, and presumably the iPhone 8, wireless charging could be one of Apple’s big feature upgrades.

The main concern is the problem of loss of power over a distance, in other words how long it would take to charge the battery, plus there’s the issue of the tech adding bulk to the devices themselves.

Being able to wirelessly charge a device without it requiring physical contact with a charging surface would no doubt increase its appeal to consumers.

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and Google’s Nexus 6 support wireless charging, but they require use of a charging puck, which still has to be plugged in.

It is possible that the new iPhone would rely on wireless headphones and wireless charging to keep things interesting.

Apple has adopted some advances later than rivals, including large-screen phones and near-field communications (NFC) used for tap-and-pay transactions.

Semiconductor makers Broadcom Corp. and Qualcomm Inc. are among those who have developed or are developing technology and standards for wireless charging.