After WPC tie-up, what’s next for Apple?
Article By : Vicky Yussuff
Apple’s membership with Wireless Power Consortium points strongly to the expectation that the next iPhone will include wireless charging technology.
The success of wireless charging adoption of Apple’s competitors is something that it can no longer ignore. Based on IHS Technology consumer survey data, over 90% of its consumers want wireless charging on their next device.
After several years of increasing rumour, Apple’s membership with the Wireless Power Consortium points strongly to the expectation that the next iPhone will include wireless charging technology.
According to a 9TO5Mac report, with one of Apple’s suppliers tying up with one of the leaders in the wireless charging industry, wireless charging is one of a multitude of changes rumoured to be coming with iPhone, and this partnership between Dialog and Energous only adds more fuel to the fire.
While early rumours suggested that Apple was holding out for long-range charging, without the need to place the iPhone on a charging pad, those hopes appear to have been dashed by more recent reports, according to 9TO5Mac. These suggest that Apple will, like other manufacturers, use simple inductive charging. One of those reports even indicated that Apple will not include a charger in the box with the iPhone, instead offering it as an optional accessory at extra cost. While Apple may indeed have been aiming for long-range RF charging, IHS Technology analyst Vicky Yussuff says that the company couldn’t wait any longer.
"Apple is an active member of many standards development organisations, as both a leader and contributor. Apple is joining the Wireless Power Consortium to be able to participate and contribute ideas to the open, collaborative development of future wireless charging standards. We look forward to working together with the WPC and its members,” said a press statement provided by an Apple spokesperson.