Updated models with AMD graphics options expected in early 2017.
Foxconn Testing Wireless Charging Modules for iPhone 8
Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn is testing wireless charging modules intended for use in the 2017 10th anniversary iPhone, according to Nikkei. However, Nikkei's source says the feature's inclusion into the iPhone 8 is dependent on yield rates.
iPhone concept image via ConceptsiPhone
In January, it was reported that Apple was exploring extended range wireless charging for the 2017 iPhone. Extended wireless charging is seen as superior to existing wireless charging solutions because it does not require the device to be as close to a charging mat or source. In February, there was speculation that Apple was working with Energous, the company behind WattUp, a wireless charging technology that uses radio waves to charge devices up to 15 feet away, on wireless charging technology.
Apple has also been hiring engineers experienced in wireless charging in recent months. In May, the company hired two engineers from uBeam, a startup focused on a wireless charging technique that uses ultrasonic waves to charge electronic devices by converting those waves into electricity.
The Cupertino company has also filed many patents for wireless charging technology, though it has publicly downplayed the usefulness of wireless charging, largely due to the need of a charging mat plugged into a wall.
The 2017 iPhone, which is expected to feature a major redesign with a glass body and edge-to-edge OLED display that integrates a Touch ID sensor and front-facing camera, will arrive in September 2017.
"But whether the feature can eventually make it into Apple's updated devices will depend on whether Foxconn can boost the yield rate to a satisfactory level later on," the source said.The modules are intended for the 2017 iPhone, but it's unclear whether all 2017 iPhone models will include wireless charging or whether it'll be reserved for higher-end Plus models.
In January, it was reported that Apple was exploring extended range wireless charging for the 2017 iPhone. Extended wireless charging is seen as superior to existing wireless charging solutions because it does not require the device to be as close to a charging mat or source. In February, there was speculation that Apple was working with Energous, the company behind WattUp, a wireless charging technology that uses radio waves to charge devices up to 15 feet away, on wireless charging technology.
Apple has also been hiring engineers experienced in wireless charging in recent months. In May, the company hired two engineers from uBeam, a startup focused on a wireless charging technique that uses ultrasonic waves to charge electronic devices by converting those waves into electricity.
The Cupertino company has also filed many patents for wireless charging technology, though it has publicly downplayed the usefulness of wireless charging, largely due to the need of a charging mat plugged into a wall.
The 2017 iPhone, which is expected to feature a major redesign with a glass body and edge-to-edge OLED display that integrates a Touch ID sensor and front-facing camera, will arrive in September 2017.
[ 111 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
16 weeks ago
THIS is real wireless charging, and this is why Apple waited so long to implement a far more convenient solution, rather than just jump on the band wagon by including a "wireless" mat that you lay your phone on, which is connected by... a wire.
16 weeks ago
I'm saying it now, and I'll come back to this post in September 2017. People are going to be equally disappointed with the new iPhone as they were with the new MacBooks. People are already calling it the "10th anniversary", iPhone 8, biggest iPhone redesign. It's okay for a rumors page to give out those names for the sake of rumors. What is not okay, is for people to fully believe those rumors, then get angry because they were disappointed of something that they thought was going to happen and never did. What if they go with the same iPhone 7 design and simply call it 7S? Try to take the "10th anniversary" out of people's mind then... no, they'll be too busy dooming Apple and claiming what Steve Jobs would have done as if Steve used to discuss design ideas with them personally.
[/rant]
On a serious note, I think wireless charging will truly become usable when we have the option to install various "charging routers" around the house that emit "witricity". That way you'd be charging your phone every where around the house.
[/rant]
On a serious note, I think wireless charging will truly become usable when we have the option to install various "charging routers" around the house that emit "witricity". That way you'd be charging your phone every where around the house.
16 weeks ago
Although it may be technically feasible to pull off 15 ft wireless charging, the more important issue is if it's safe to be near a transmitter that's pumping out such a high powered EMF... Or RF.
Those familiar with what will be required to wifi-charge a device over the air have stated simply: "I wouldn't want to be in the same room that had that equipment operating.
But we'll see. I'm not betting on this one coming to fruition.
Those familiar with what will be required to wifi-charge a device over the air have stated simply: "I wouldn't want to be in the same room that had that equipment operating.
But we'll see. I'm not betting on this one coming to fruition.
16 weeks ago
Speaking for someone with a launch day iPhone 6 Plus who has not updated in over 2 cycles, these are the rumors I like hearing about :)
16 weeks ago
There's good and bad to that. We don't want to be charging our phones all the time. Batteries only last so many cycles. If you're charging a lot when the phone doesn't need it (say when it's at 80%) then you're using up those cycles when it's not needed and will kill battery life in the long run.
What's needed is a charging routine that only charges when needed or when the battery gets to a certain level. Otherwise you're looking at having to replace your battery yearly or even more frequently.
16 weeks ago
"Its how much ....? "
lmao I feel there was plenty of that going around on the Thursdays "Hello Again" event.
[ Read All Comments ]
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Cozy Industries to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win a PencilCozy-S stylus cap for the Apple Pencil.
The PencilCozy-S, designed to...
YouTube will stop supporting unskippable 30-second ads on the popular streaming video platform beginning sometime in 2018, according to an official statement from Google given to Campaign. The move...
Adobe this week released Flash Player version 24.0.0.221 to "address critical vulnerabilities that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system," including Mac,...
The Apple retail store located on George Street in Sydney, Australia was closed for a brief period of time today due to "a police operation," although the exact reasoning behind the closure...
Microsoft updated its OneDrive iOS app this week with a couple of features requested by premium users, with the added bonus that the improvements can be used by free 5GB account holders as well.
...
Apple is to set to begin ramping up assembly of the iPhone SE at its Bangalore manufacturing plant in India in the coming months, sources said on Friday (via Reuters).
Last month, Apple agreed a...
Starting today, Microsoft Office users who own one of Apple's new 2016 MacBook Pro models can update their Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software to gain new Touch Bar integrations.
Touch Bar...
Verizon has the fastest LTE network in western regions of the United States, while its up-and-coming rival T-Mobile has the top speeds throughout the east coast, according to a recent study by...