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.

iphoneconceptimage

iPhone concept image via ConceptsiPhone

"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.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18

18 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18.2

Wednesday November 13, 2024 2:09 am PST by
Apple is set to release iOS 18.2 next month, bringing the second round of Apple Intelligence features to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 models. This update brings several major advancements to Apple's AI integration, including completely new image generation tools and a range of Visual Intelligence-based enhancements. There are a handful of new non-AI related feature controls incoming as well....
M4 MacBook Pros Thumb

M4 MacBook Pro Uses Quantum Dot Display Technology

Thursday November 14, 2024 4:19 pm PST by
The M4 MacBook Pro models feature quantum dot display technology, according to display analyst Ross Young. Apple used a quantum dot film instead of a red KSF phosphor film, a change that provides more vibrant, accurate color results. Young says that Apple has opted for KSF for prior MacBook Pro models because it doesn't use toxic element cadmium (typical for quantum dot) and is more...
AirPods Crackling Feature

Apple Customers Sue Over Unfixed AirPods Pro Crackling Issue

Wednesday November 13, 2024 11:01 am PST by
A trio of Apple customers this month filed a class action lawsuit against Apple, accusing the Cupertino company of violating California consumer protection laws and false advertising for continuing to sell AirPods Pro models that had ongoing issues with crackling or static sounds. A few months after the AirPods Pro came out in October 2019, buyers began to complain about crackling, rattling, ...
google gemini

Google Releases Standalone Gemini AI App for iPhone

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:54 am PST by
Google has launched its dedicated Gemini artificial intelligence app for iPhone users, expanding beyond the previous limited integration within the main Google app. The standalone app offers enhanced functionality, including support for Gemini Live and iOS-specific features like Dynamic Island integration. The new app allows iPhone users to interact with Google's AI through text or voice...
maxresdefault

M4 Max MacBook Pro: Real-World Usage Tests

Wednesday November 13, 2024 11:59 am PST by
Apple last week replaced the M3 Max MacBook Pro with the new M4 Max MacBook Pro, and we picked up one of the new high-end MacBook Pro machines to see how it compares to the prior model with both benchmarks and real-world tests. We tested an M4 Max with a 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU, and 48GB RAM against an M3 Max MacBook Pro with similar specs. The two machines look similar, but the display on...
iphone passcode green

iOS 18 Security Feature Causes iPhone to Reboot After Three Days of Inactivity

Thursday November 14, 2024 2:19 pm PST by
With iOS 18, Apple introduced a feature that causes the iPhone to reboot every three days, security researchers have confirmed (via TechCrunch). In a demo video, security researcher Jiska Classen proved that an iPhone left untouched for 72 hours will automatically restart, and Graykey manufacturer also Magnet Forensics wrote a blog post about the feature. After a reboot, an iPhone is more...

Top Rated Comments

Superhappytree Avatar
105 months 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.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hybroid Avatar
105 months ago
They'll add wireless charging and no more lightning port then.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThE.MeSsEnGeR Avatar
105 months 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.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DocMultimedia Avatar
105 months ago
TicK tock. Waiting for my new iPhone. My 6s will be fine until then.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iapplelove Avatar
105 months 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 :)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fob Avatar
105 months ago
and it will come with a $300 increase
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)