Apple Joins Qi Wireless Power Consortium Ahead of iPhone 8

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Posted February 13, 2017 at 3:31pm by Shalom Levytam

Apple has joined the Wireless Power Consortium behind Qi and is now being listed as an official member on their website.

Many predict that Apple will add wireless charging to its upcoming 10th anniversary smartphone; however, which technology Apple will choose to implement is unclear. Earlier reports indicated that it could be long range wireless charging, perhaps using technology from Energous but more recent reports have suggested that the company is going with induction.

While long range wireless charging may have been the goal, IHS Technology thinks Apple couldn't wait any longer.

The success of wireless charging adoption from Apple’s competitors is something that Apple can no longer ignore. IHS Technology consumer survey data shows over 90% of consumers want wireless charging on their next device.

Qi supports both inductive charging and resonant charging; however, the resonant charging is currently limited to just 45mm between the transmitter and receiver.

Apple's Qi membership doesn't necessarily mean that the company has selected its technology for the iPhone 8 but it does point in that direction. Please follow iClarified on X, Facebook, or RSS for updates.

[via 9to5Mac]

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Mang Domeng - February 13, 2017 at 8:56pm

Long range wireless charging is a true wireless charging innovation. The wireless charging that we know now are for kids who brag their phone can be charged wirelessly but you need to have lots of charging pads at home to enjoy what they say wireless charging. If Apple pull this trick in their iPhones plus longer battery life the competition is over.

TopgearUY - February 13, 2017 at 5:17pm

The tech yet has it´s problems, regarding efficiency and safety. As always Apple will get into the tech if it mature enough that the user experience is good. It´s all about user experience, not to be the first. If both can be achieved, that´s the ideal.

hamood_d10 - February 13, 2017 at 4:03pm

too late apple

Carsten - February 13, 2017 at 3:47pm

Nope! I'd rather want Apple to wait until they can implement the long range wireless charging. I think wireless charging at this moment is way overrated. I want to be able to hold my phone and operate it while it is charging. The current technology for that is insufficient in sooooooooo many ways. Apple stands for revolutionary innovations, going with the mainstream isn't revolutionary at all. I'd suggest to put of wireless charging until it can be done long range.

Kk - February 13, 2017 at 3:43pm

2015 was suppose to be the year of wireless charging.