Analyst Predicts 2017 iPhone 8 'Mega Cycle' With OLED, Wireless Charging, and No Home Button

[I7guy]

I think you are missing the point and not thinking this through well. First of all, today's inductive charging does not mean you give up a port and charging with a cable. You can choose either inductive or charging via cable depending on the situation.

So if you are in a conference room and has cables etc, use cable. Actually, a 2016 smartphone should last all day, there shouldn't be battery issues, but I guess that's an argument for another day.

But what you aren't thinking through is this: a pad is intended to be stationary. It's like the Apple watch pad/mat, put it at your bedside table, drop your watch onto it when you go to sleep. Dropping phone beside it would be convenient too. No meddling and hunting around cables in the dark, or whatever.

I use inductive in the car, it's beautiful. Put drop the phone in the iOttie stand, and it charges.

There are even Dell monitors with inductive stands, you get to your home office/mac drop the phone on it. No messy cables.

Point is, use inductive on stationary places where you have pads/mats setup, and use cable if/where you need it. You choose.

Perhaps it's not me that's not thinking things through.

My phone lasts all day but I don't have a set schedule for charging. So consequently I may charge it after 36 or so hours in the middle of the afternoon; and I can use it whilst I charge it. It I have a meeting in a conf room I can take the phone, sans cable and plug it into an available port in the conf. room and still use it whilst it's charging. So if I can use it whilst charging why go through the extra expense of getting these pads, when a $4 cable works fine and meets my needs.

Seems like an internet talking point only.

 

[trifid]

Perhaps it's not me that's not thinking things through.

My phone lasts all day but I don't have a set schedule for charging. So consequently I may charge it after 36 or so hours in the middle of the afternoon; and I can use it whilst I charge it. It I have a meeting in a conf room I can take the phone, sans cable and plug it into an available port in the conf. room and still use it whilst it's charging. So if I can use it whilst charging why go through the extra expense of getting these pads, when a $4 cable works fine and meets my needs.

Seems like an internet talking point only.

I won't argue what works or doesn't work for you, it's your usage, my point is your argument about stands, about carrying mat/pad around is wrong, that's not how it's meant to be used. Mat/pads are meant to be stationary. And if you need mobility you can use a cable as you suggest.

 

[raj]

I see a fully sealed iPhone, fully waterproof, using wireless headphones and wireless charging, on the horizon. I've been wondering how long it was going to take.

 

[I7guy]

I won't argue what works or doesn't work for you, it's your usage, my point is your argument about stands, about carrying mat/pad around is wrong, that's not how it's meant to be used. Mat/pads are meant to be stationary. And if you need mobility you can use a cable as you suggest.

That's the point, different use cases, however my feeling about the pad still stands...it's a stop-gap.

 

[trifid]

That's the point, different use cases, however my feeling about the pad still stands...it's a stop-gap.

So Apple Watch on a pad/stand, is that a stop-gap too? Why is Apple selling a $80 pad when you can just use the built-in cable is already magnetic? Clearly there is an argument to be made about docking/mats/pads, there is a certain convenience/elegance to it, right? The previous examples I pointed out are also great, dropping a phone on a car's mount for example. I don't think the argument of convenience and elegance can be dismissed that easily.

 

[I7guy]

So Apple Watch on a pad/stand, is that a stop-gap too? Why is Apple selling a $80 pad when you can just use the built-in cable is already magnetic? Clearly there is an argument to be made about docking/mats/pads, there is a certain convenience/elegance to it, right? The previous examples I pointed out are also great, dropping a phone on a car's mount for example. I don't think the argument of convenience and elegance can be dismissed that easily.

Apple Watch is a deflection. I'm talking about phones. because I can charge my phone in my car, office, conference room, hotel room etc I am not concerned about charging at a set time and all I need is one cable.

As I said different use cases and if it works for you fantastic. I don't see this method being all that useful. Now as far as the AW I would use whatever came with the phone.

 

[Analog Kid]

The mat technology (inductive charging) is considered wireless. It's not the great breakthrough that we've all been dreaming of (like WattUp), but it is considered wireless. There will be huge leaps forward in upcoming wireless charging technology but that doesn't mean that inductive charging isn't considered wireless charging. Many people (myself included) don't care about inductive charging, but are pretty excited about the future of wireless charging.

Just because new wireless charging technology is going to blow inductive charging out of the water doesn't change the fact that inductive charging is considered wireless charging.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging

To be fair, I don't think WattUp is the breakthrough that people are dreaming of either... Not enough power available for delivery.

 

[trifid]

To be fair, I don't think WattUp is the breakthrough that people are dreaming of either... Not enough power available for delivery.

Agreed, plus I think there are two issues, one is safety, how viable/safe this is, and power efficiency. The power loss seems concerning and I doubt Apple with its focus on being green would accept a 30% loss of power. I could see Apple doing something magnetic like the Apple Watch though.

 

[Armen]

Since when is wireless charging "next generation"? Android phones have had it for half a decade.

Apple is developing a wireless charging system that does not require you to lay your phone down on a charging mat,You know... that decade old technology you are referring to that Android has been using.


Here's more information.

http://9to5mac.com/2016/01/28/wireless-charging-apple-iphone/

 

[trifid]

Apple is developing a wireless charging system that does not require you to lay your phone down on a charging mat,You know... that decade old technology you are referring to that Android has been using.


Here's more information.

http://9to5mac.com/2016/01/28/wireless-charging-apple-iphone/

That's slightly misleading, the original article from Bloomberg says Apple is exploring the technology, not necessarily committed to developing it, and "The iPhone maker is looking to overcome technical barriers including loss of power over distance with a decision on implementing the technology still being assessed, they said."

So if Apple doesn't overcome the loss of power which, which is likely that they won't be able to, they might decide to do something else, maybe something similar to what they did with Apple Watch.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ss-charged-phone-for-as-soon-as-2017-ijz3i4si

 

[Armen]

That's slightly misleading, the original article from Bloomberg says Apple is exploring the technology, not necessarily committed to developing it, and "The iPhone maker is looking to overcome technical barriers including loss of power over distance with a decision on implementing the technology still being assessed, they said."

So if Apple doesn't overcome the loss of power which, which is likely that they won't be able to, they might decide to do something else, maybe something similar to what they did with Apple Watch.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...ss-charged-phone-for-as-soon-as-2017-ijz3i4si

If Apple somehow figures this out it would be amazing to charge your phone by just being in range of a wireless charging unit/tower/whatever rather than that going to a specific spot, laying your phone down on a mat and calling that "wireless".

 

[thewitt]

You guys do understand that as soon as Apple supports wireless charging, the tinfoil hat crowd is going to start screaming about cancer caused by all that electricity flying through the air...

 

[trifid]

You guys do understand that as soon as Apple supports wireless charging, the tinfoil hat crowd is going to start screaming about cancer caused by all that electricity flying through the air...

Yea, I think it'd be a legitimate concern if it happens, but I really doubt Apple will do it, it seems too experimental. Apple has been playing it safe for the past few years now, one example is OLED, I don't see them outplaying the rest of the industry on a controversial/risky tech like wireless power.

 

[smacrumon]

What?! No 3d renderings of what iPhone 8 might look like? I have no talent in that area, but thought somebody would have done a mock up by page 10!

By the way, I've been advocating for some time the home button removal among other useful changes to the way iPhone can be used and how it is marketed: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/future-apple-design-language.1963417/

Bring on "The greatest change to the phone since the original iPhone - The all new iPhone 8."

 

[2457248]

Not all earphones. My dad had some earphones with a 1/4 inch phone plug, for his old reel to reel. Good luck trying to fit that into a silly 3.5 mm jack. If Apple wanted to truly innovate, they'd increase the size of the headphone jack to accommodate all the legacy headphones. Just think how much extra room they'd have inside the phone, and they could fill it with a battery that would last a year. They could make the battery replaceable, too, for those who might be away from a charger for more than a year at a time.
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Or it might never come out. Just because Apple has done the done the S cycle since the dawn of time (four times!) doesn't mean they'll continue that pattern forever into the future. The 2018 phone could be called the iPhone X. Or something else.

that's why i said earphone and not headphone. historically, headphones needed more driving power and you were likely to use them in a home/desktop/studio environment, where size and portability is not a main concern.
afaik, on-the-go headphones are something relatively recent, and most models come indeed with a 3.5mm jack (sometimes with screw-on 1/4 adapter).

 

[chasonstone]

Wireless charging won't eliminate the port. The mat charging makes more sense in a car then at home, if the vehicle has a built in area.

My son just got a new Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and it has a shelf just forward of the shift with a built in Qi pad. He bought a 20.00 thin case for his iPhone and just tosses it on the shelf when he gets in.
Bluetooth, music and charging all with no wires.

I can see it being useful in the car and I mean I can see it being useful at home too. My thing is though, for at home a simple lightning dock achieves the same effect of dropping it in a spot and picking it up. In the car, I can see a dedicated spot to toss your phone that has the added benefit of charging the phone when you do to be beneficial but I still think a more true wireless solution would be better. If the car wirelessly charged any device inside the car no matter where it was (pockets, backseat, blabla) that would be really cool.

I don't know what state the tech I'm talking about is exactly but it's something I would consider a killer feature. If I can plug something into one outlet in my bedroom and then have an entire room that charges my phone when I walk in, that is something I would be really into. If I could plug something into the cigarette lighter in my car so that my phone just charged while I was inside it, that would be really cool. If I'm having to think about where exactly I have to place my phone it can only be a marginal improvement over just plugging it in anyway.

Once this becomes as ubiquitous as say wifi, they could ditch the port all together.

 

[littyboy]

This analyst is a joke. Making "predictions" based on the Samsung deal with Apple to provide OLED (no sh*t sherlock). Also wireless charging has been rumored every single year for the past couple of years, so they will "eventually" get it right.

 

[I7guy]

If Apple somehow figures this out it would be amazing to charge your phone by just being in range of a wireless charging unit/tower/whatever rather than that going to a specific spot, laying your phone down on a mat and calling that "wireless".

That's what I've been saying.

 

[doelcm82]

I really doubt Apple will do it, it seems too experimental. Apple has been playing it safe for the past few years now, one example is OLED, I don't see them outplaying the rest of the industry on a controversial/risky tech like wireless power.

There was never a time when Apple revolutionized the world every year. But in this decade (starting in 2011), Apple has introduced:

TouchID
Apple Pay
Apple Maps
Apple Watch
Apple Music
Car Play

OLED displays on the iPhone is indeed one example of where Apple hasn't led the industry. Selling Big Macs is another. Just because Apple hasn't added a double meat hamburger to it's Mac line (so far), that doesn't mean they're playing it safe. If there's a fire behind all the smoke, the company is working on building a car. Do you consider that to be a safe move for Apple? Is removing the dedicated headphone jack from the iPhone (assuming that rumor is true) a safe move?

 

[kyykesko]

Couldn't care less about wireless charging. Also not very tempted to live inside a microwave oven in the future.

Doesn't matter, though. Removing the home button is pretty much as smart as was removing the Start button in Windows 8. Would be nice if people actually learned from history.

 

[Analog Kid]

You guys do understand that as soon as Apple supports wireless charging, the tinfoil hat crowd is going to start screaming about cancer caused by all that electricity flying through the air...

Which will be a self-fulfilling prophecy, what with the parabolic tinfoil hat focusing all of the incident energy onto the brain-stem...

 

[trifid]

There was never a time when Apple revolutionized the world every year. But in this decade (starting in 2011), Apple has introduced:

TouchID
Apple Pay
Apple Maps
Apple Watch
Apple Music
Car Play

OLED displays on the iPhone is indeed one example of where Apple hasn't led the industry. Selling Big Macs is another. Just because Apple hasn't added a double meat hamburger to it's Mac line (so far), that doesn't mean they're playing it safe. If there's a fire behind all the smoke, the company is working on building a car. Do you consider that to be a safe move for Apple? Is removing the dedicated headphone jack from the iPhone (assuming that rumor is true) a safe move?

That list you cite has Apple Music and Apple maps, things where Apple was catching up to the competition and not leading. Apple was also catching up with the concept of larger phones, Samsung led first there as well.

And where Apple is behind:

• Better low light camera, and faster focus (Samsung's S7 blows iPhone out of the water)
• Waterproofing
• Smaller bezels/curved screen
• Inductive/wireless
• Industry standard usb-c
• 32gb default
• OLED
• Higher res for VR

Lack of innovation and playing it safe is now paying its toll, Apple is seeing a decline in sales with analysts saying that an innovative user experience is now a pre-requisite for growth.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/24/apple-declining-iphone-shipments-2016/

 

[doelcm82]

That list you cite has Apple Music and Apple maps, things where Apple was catching up to the competition and not leading. Apple was also catching up with the concept of larger phones, Samsung led first there as well.

And where Apple is behind:

• Better low light camera, and faster focus (Samsung's S7 blows iPhone out of the water)
• Waterproofing
• Smaller bezels/curved screen
• Inductive/wireless
• Industry standard usb-c
• 32gb default
• OLED
• Higher res for VR

Lack of innovation and playing it safe is now paying its toll, Apple is seeing a decline in sales with analysts saying that an innovative user experience is now a pre-requisite for growth.

https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/24/apple-declining-iphone-shipments-2016/

Apple Maps is not catching up to Samsung Maps and Apple Music is not catching up to Samsung Music.

There are certainly features on other phones that I would like to see Apple adopt. USB-C is one, but I don't see it as much of a selling point. If I forget my charging cable at the office, I'm not likely to be able to be able to borrow someone's USB-C cable.

Inductive charging is something we're likely to look back on in a few years as a silly idea (like any payment system that requires scanning QR codes, which seems silly already). True wireless charging is a different story. Who has that now?

 

[trifid]

Apple Maps is not catching up to Samsung Maps and Apple Music is not catching up to Samsung Music

Agreed, they were catching up to Spotify and Google maps.
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Inductive charging is something we're likely to look back on in a few years as a silly idea (like any payment system that requires scanning QR codes, which seems silly already). True wireless charging is a different story. Who has that now?

How many years is "a few years"? Because Palm Pre introduced inductive charging back in 2009, after 7 years, it's now adopted by many manufacturers (including Apple on the Apple Watch) and keeps growing. It's default on the flagship Android phone, with millions of accessories all over the place. Doesn't seem 'silly' at all.

 

[dampfnudel]

I have a strong feeling that the next iPhone is going to be the 6SE and 6+SE. That way 2017 can be the iPhone 7 with all the revamped changes.

Or it could be called the iPhone ME (4.7") and iPhone LE (5.5") with the ME 2 and LE 2 next year (or iPhone X in 2017).