iPhone 8 to Feature All-Glass Casing in Order to Support Wireless Charging

[MacRumors]

Apple will switch to an all-glass casing for next year's entire iPhone lineup in order to support wireless charging, with Pegatron being the exclusive supplier of the wireless charger. That's according to the latest research note by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo obtained by MacRumors.

According to Kuo, the transition from metal to glass casing is key if Apple is to introduce a wireless charging feature in the 2017 iPhone. While patented engineering solutions do exist for wirelessly charging devices with metal cases, issues with wireless frequency tolerances for metal alloys can limit the speed at which charging takes place. On top of that, it is widely believed that Jony Ive has wanted to introduce an iPhone that looks like a single sheet of glass for several years.

iPhone concept image via ConceptsiPhone​

We believe one of the reasons why new iPhones will switch from metal casing to glass casing is to support wireless charging. In order to ensure a superior performance, we believe it is most appropriate for EMS suppliers to develop and make the wireless charger because then a comprehensive test can be conducted. As Hon Hai needs to deploy most resources to develop and produce OLED iPhone, we expect Pegatron will be the exclusive supplier of the wireless charger.

Kuo remains uncertain whether a wireless charger will be bundled with all new iPhones, but expects at least some models to be next year, with wider availability by 2018.

Kuo last week claimed that Apple will release 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch model iPhones with LCD screens as well as an all-new OLED model with a dual-lens camera. Kuo previously said Apple will launch a 5.8-inch iPhone with a curved OLED display and glass casing next year. He later said that model will have a 5.1-inch to 5.2-inch active touchscreen area. Barclays analysts said it will have a bezel-free design.

Multiple rumors have suggested Apple is set to introduce wireless charging into the "iPhone 8", despite the company downplaying the usefulness of the technology back in 2012. Last month it was reported that Hon Hai - better known as Foxconn - is testing wireless charging modules for use in the 2017 iPhone, although inclusion of the technology in the iPhone 8 was thought to be dependent on whether Foxconn can boost the yield rate to a satisfactory level.

Reports that Apple was exploring extended range wireless charging for the 2017 iPhone also appeared back in January. Extended wireless charging is considered superior to existing wireless solutions because it does not require the device to be as close to a charging mat or source.

Apple's 10th anniversary 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, is expected to arrive in September 2017.

Article Link: iPhone 8 to Feature All-Glass Casing in Order to Support Wireless Charging

 

[lellis2k]

I'm torn on this, surely they won't release with current wireless charging system that require a specific orientation?
However a new wireless system would mean that you wouldn't be able to use it with the current public wireless chargers, however I suppose these are rare currently and the industry will adapt to Apple rather than vice-versa.
Let's not forget that Apple themselves said that wireless charging wasn't worth it as you'd have to take a charger with you anyway [citation needed], though having wireless charging in the most common areas (home,work,car) would still be worth it.

 

[Sunny1990]

Thank God no chunky bezels

 

[anthorumor]

Annnnd it will be covered with an edge-to-edge Apple Leather case with battery bump - only $199.

 

[vmistery]

My 6s is readyto be handed on! I am hoping for something futuristic looking just like the 4 when it came out was.

 

[iapplelove]

Smart phones in general have got a little stale imo. I love my iPhone but nothing is blowing me away at the moment.

 

[miknos]

How do you use the iPhone while charging having this wireless charge? The mat (or whatever surface) has to be plugged somewhere.

It looks like another gimmicky tech like those $300 toothbrush with bluetooth.

 

[CJozef]

My 6s is readyto be handed on! I am hoping for something futuristic looking just like the 4 when it came out was.

Selling 6S? ...

All hail consumerism! All hail consumerism! All hail consumerism!

I bet Timmy is incredibly happy with customers like you

 

[Naraxus]

An all-glass iPhone.

I see no issues with this one

 

[gigapocket1]

It'll be worth it lol... the iPhone 8 will be the best iPhone yet.. lol

 

[zombierunner]

will it work with a case on?

 

[Kajje]

a new wireless system would mean that you wouldn't be able to use it with the current public wireless chargers

History proved there ain't nothing that can't be solved with dongle or two!

 

[Tork]

Why curved?!?! I hope this isn't true. Been tried in phones before, and it's kind of an annoying "feature" with no real advantage that didn't catch on for good reason.

 

[Phil A.]

How do you use the iPhone while charging having this wireless charge? The mat (or whatever surface) has to be plugged somewhere.

It looks like another gimmicky tech like those $300 toothbrush with bluetooth.

It is a bit gimmicky at the moment, but has its benefits - for example, some cars come with a wireless charging pad built in so all you do when you get in the car is put the phone down in the tray that contains the charging pad and it charges and connects via Bluetooth to your in car system

It also reduces the wear on the charging port as you can charge it when you're not using it by just placing it on the pad (you can always charge with a cable if you need to charge and use the phone at the same time)

For me, wireless charging isn't a must have but would definitely be a nice to have

 

[wannabelean]

Isn't the next year version supposed to be called the 7S?

 

[mkeeley]

History proved there ain't nothing that can't be solved with dongle or two!

...dozen

 

[Kajje]

So glass it will be for the iPhone 8
A bit fragile, but still much healthier compared with the planned asbestos casing for the Note 8.

 

[clunkmess]

The Next iPhone to Feature ALL NEW Features!!!

SHOCKING!

 

[cicalinarrot]

Selling 6S? ...

All hail consumerism! All hail consumerism! All hail consumerism!

I bet Timmy is incredibly happy with customers like you

People have money, people spend money as they want.
If you're not a communist, don't complain about it.
If you are a communist, criticizing a single person on a forum mostly about unnecessary gadgets is a stupid way to start a revolution.

 

[needfx]

May the glass be with it

 

[Icaras]

On top of that, it is widely believed that Jony Ive has wanted to introduce an iPhone that looks like a single sheet of glass for several years.

This sounds amazing. Can't wait to see how beautiful this will look. iPhone 8 is going to be a real looker the more I read about it.

In Jony I trust!

 

[CEmajr]

But what will the iPhone 7s look like?

 

[VulchR]

Oh great, now Apple can concentrate even less on battery life because of extended wireless charging. If they go down this route, Apple really need to make a sports/outdoors model with extended battery life, a decent camera, etc. When I am hillwalking, I don't give a **** about bezels, glass or thinness. I do care about being able to use the functionality of my mobile device for extended periods without having to charge.

 

[djcerla]

Jesus Phone 2.0

 

[Wando64]

Maybe Apple could ask everyone else how they can charge wirelessly without a glass case.
Hell, even the Palm Pre announced in 2010 had wireless charging, yet it wasn't doomed to destruction following a slip from the hand.

Anyway, it is just a rumour...