“2017 is the year the iPhone finally gets wireless charging,” Jeff Gamet reports for The Mac Observer. “That’s the word, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who says Apple plans to bring inductive charging to the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch models with next fall’s refresh.”
“Wireless, or inductive charging, powers a device’s battery without needing to plug in connectors. The Apple Watch uses inductive charging by supplying power to a magnetic base where the smartwatch sits when juicing up,” Gamet reports. “It’s more convenient than plugging a charging cable to the watch, and saves from wear and tear on physical connectors.”
Gamet reports, “Wireless charging won’t be the only big change for next year’s iPhone refresh. Ming-Chi Kuo expects Apple will give the new models a glass body, much like it did for the iPhone 4, a redesigned form factor, and will add a new OLED display model, too.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Based on our Apple Watch experience, it’ll be a tad easier to connect your iPhone to a charger in a dark room. That’s about it. You’ll still need a wall plug and the proper charging cord.
Versus plugging in a Lightning cable, this is a bit more convenient at best and pretty much a wash as worst. True extended range wireless charging would be the real game-changer.
SEE ALSO:
Ming-Chi Kuo: Apple’s next-gen iPhone to feature all-glass case for wireless charging – November 23, 2016
Two major ‘iPhone 8’ leaks reveal groundbreaking new features – November 23, 2016
Evidence suggests Apple is working on the biggest mobile game-changer since the original iPhone – November 8, 2016
Apple possibly working with Energous on extended range wireless charging for future iPhones – February 5, 2016
Apple developing cutting-edge long-range wirelessly-charged iPhones and iPads – January 29, 2016
iPhone 7 and the potential for wireless charging – January 19, 2016
Apple will drop headphone jack to make the iPhone 7 super slim, source confirms; wireless charging and waterproof, too – January 7, 2016
Apple looks to patent inductive charging system that could power an Apple Pencil or even a future kitchen appliance – January 7, 2016
Apple files 5th wireless inductive charging patent application since Late September – November 5, 2015\
Apple patent application reveals iPhone inductive charging sans extra hardware – October 8, 2015
Patent application reveals Apple working on wireless charging systems focused on rapid power delivery – August 27, 2015
Apple invents inductive charging interfaces for mobile devices – April 2, 2015