Apple Exploring Wireless Charging for iPhone as Early as 2013?

[JohnDoe98]

Well ****, why not just make a solar powered iPhone?

Because it wouldn't charge fast enough. But there was a patent a while back that Apple was working on to include solar panels into the screen. The reports at the time said this could help prolong the battery life so I bet they are working on trying to implement this. But it's definitely not a complete solution to wireless charging.

 

[576316]

I'm glad Apple have chosen to hold off in the implementation of a practically useless technology. Also nice they've chosen to innovate their own version rather then use existing technology. Hopefully when they do add something like this to their flagship smartphone, it'll be something useful and unlike anything we've seen so far.

 

[mehanika]

Deleted

 

[MistaBungle]

I don't get why they would shift focus away from Lightning so quickly.

 

[Dr McKay]

it's not really convenient tho. you can't use the phone when it's on the orb. I am constantly using my iPhone and I have the 6 foot iPad charger that I plug it into. So when I'm watching tv i'm plugged in and can still use my phone. Wireless charging where it sits on a base is pretty pointless as you can't make use of the device while it's charging.

Now wireless charging like how wifi works with a lot of distance....then that would be awesome.

Obviously no device is going to increase the convenience for everybody, for people in your situation it would hinder more than help, I still have wired chargers elsewhere, I just have my Wireless Charger on my bedside table because once it's there on charge, I'm going to sleep and don't intend on using it.

For me it's more convenient to be there because I nearly always turn the light off and get in bed, and then realize I haven't plugged my phone in.

 

[GenesisST]

I guess you work outside the Tech-business.

What did I say that makes you say this? I've been a software developer since 1995... C/C++, obj-c, java, Windows, Linux, AIX, Solaris, Android and now lots of iOS.

I just said that I wouldn't change things I already have just for the sake of charging a damn device when a 5-20$ cable does the trick.

I might be technical, but my priorities sure don't involve having the latest and greatest all the time. I've grown up and have higher priorities than gadgets... taking care of my kids trumps upgrading my "sink" to charge a ****ing phone...

 

[Cranuaed]

The magic in the idea is this: if Apple implements it as a standard feature, compatible charging mats will pop up just about everywhere we might go (much like wifi seems to be almost everywhere).

This is what almost everyone seems to be missing here. When more companies start incorporating wireless charging, we'll start seeing charging mats built in to public places. Is anyone really going to make the argument that it wouldn't be convenient to be able to charge your phone while waiting for a flight at the airport by just setting it down next to you?

And seriously, wireless charging is not going to replace wired charging. It's going to complement it. You'll still be able to plug your phone in to charge it if that's what you prefer.

 

[etrinh]

So who will be paying for those charging mats that you would like to be ubiquitous?

The magic in the idea is this: if Apple implements it as a standard feature, compatible charging mats will pop up just about everywhere we might go (much like wifi seems to be almost everywhere). Instead of lugging cables & bricks, we will eventually be able to leave those at home and still keep our future iDevices charged. That is a big benefit when you need one kind of brick & cable for iDevices, another for Macs, still others for any other hardware you might have to take along when away from home.

AND, it's not an either-or innovation. Those happy with using a cable for charging can still use a cable for charging. You don't have to buy a charging mat nor carry along a charging mat wherever you go (carry the brick & cable instead if it makes you happy).

It won't add any more weight or size to an iPhone than it does to competitor phones that already have it. Are they all significantly heavier than iPhone? Are they all significantly larger than iPhone? You know Apple, they don't like to make things thicker or heavier, so their implementation of such features will likely make such implied disadvantages purely false speculation.

As someone who travels a fair amount of the time, I look forward to the day when I could opt to leave the brick & cable at home but know that my technology can keep a charge. It's much like not having to stow cans of gas in the trunk because I know there will likely be gas stations wherever I drive. I just spent several hours at an airport and noticed people sitting on dirty floors in inconvenient places because that's where the only available outlets could be found. Imagine rows of charging mats where everyone could get a charge without hunting for a precious outlet. Imagine a charging mat in your hotel room... any hotel room. Imagine charging mats on restaurant tables... in meeting rooms... at convention centers... etc... all as convenient as wifi vs. having to seek out a precious few outlet(s) when in a pinch for some juice.

 

[ifij775]

I find it annoying to plug and unplug when I want to take my phone somewhere. I say good riddance to the cord.

 

[Dainin]

I can't believe all the complaints...

Wireless charging is extremely convenient, nothing stops you from plugging your phone into a cable while driving, or working. It adds hardly any weight when integrated into the device, it works through most cases. I only use wireless charging at night, so it taking a little longer to charge isn't an issue.

I have 4 devices I charge at night, and I am usually plugging them in while it is dark.

For my iPad I drag my hand across the power strip feeling for the larger charger, follow the cable to the end, then try and feel for the port on the bottom of the iPad, and try to plug it in without scratching the bottom. Fortunately the lighting cable makes this easier than it used to be.

For my iPhone, almost the same as above, but I feel for the smaller square charger instead. Takes just as long.

For my wireless hotspot, I feel for its charger, then have to feel the end of the micro USB cable and figure out its orientation, then feel for the port on the device and try and plug it in. This takes a bit longer than the iPad and iPhone.

For my HTC Droid DNA, I set it on the charging pad. Literally takes 2 seconds to go from my pocket to charging in a pitch black room.

 

[inlinevolvo]

Right, but you only need to plug it into the base ONCE, unlike now where you have to plug in to your device every time you want to charge then unplug when done. That is the difference. It's one less step. Isn't that a good thing?

Perhaps. What I meant to write previously before my phone freaked out and posted my half comment, is that I'd rather see them invest more time and energy into longer battery life. It's not a big deal that I have to plug my phone in. While battery life on my iphone trumps my HTC droid, more is better in this case.

 

[Goldfinger]

Less efficient charging means that wireless charging takes more power to give the same charge that a wired charge can.

I don't think this is much of an issue for mobile phone charging since an entire year of phone charging costs you about $.50. Wireless is still less efficient than your USB cord.

What it costs to the end user is irrelevant. It may be cheap to you so you don't care but it DOES put an extra burden on the environment. It has nothing to do with the financial cost of electricity.
Sadly most people only think with their wallet.

 

[Cranuaed]

So who will be paying for those charging mats that you would like to be ubiquitous?

The same people who pay for the free wifi that's ubiquitous.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

So who will be paying for those charging mats that you would like to be ubiquitous?

Who pays for ubiquitous wifi availability? Gas stations? Cell towers? LTE service upgrades?

Not long ago, most hotels I frequent did not have 30pin connector devices in their rooms. Now most of the hotels I frequent do have them (just in time for Apple to switch to lightning, but that's another story).

Did I pay the hotels to include those in each room? Not directly, but yes we all had some of the money we've spent over the years get 30-pin connectors in rooms, get wifi almost everywhere, get gas stations everywhere, etc.

 

[somethingelsefl]

Digitimes has a mixed record with Apple rumors, so Apple's likelihood of incorporating such technology so soon remains uncertain.

That's an understatement. I almost always ignore rumors from them. They are very often wrong, and the things they get right...other sources report anyways.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I find it annoying to plug and unplug when I want to take my phone somewhere. I say good riddance to the cord.

I'm with you on the annoyance but it's not about getting rid of the cable to ONLY go with wireless charging. It's both. Those happy lugging along the wire & brick can keep doing what they're doing (and thus never use wireless). Those willing to risk not being able to find a compatible mat where they are going can leave the wire & brick at home.

Lightning does more than just charge our iDevices.

 

[elev8d]

Disadvantages of wireless charging

• Can't use (hold) the phone when charging
• Charging is slower
• Charging is less efficient
• Costs money to implement. I would rather have other features in its place

I'm sure they are considering all of this. I would definitely use wireless charging mats at work and at home. I could also see it being integrated into car tech where you just drop your phone in the center console. It starts to auto charge and connects to the bluetooth as soon as you turn the car on. Sure plugging your phone in charges it faster, however being able to charge it without have to plug it in has it's advantages. Granted, I'm curious as to whether it will still work with my Lifeproof case.

 

[fabianjj]

I don't understand why people keep whining about this? It is not as if Apple would remove the Lightning port if wireless charging is introduced this year.

"It's not really more convenient, I still have to plug it in to wall", "It is much slower than wired!"

So?

When most people charge their phones they do it at the end of the day by plugging in a cable and putting it down on their nightstand to charge overnight. As long as the wireless solution is fast enough to fully charge the device overnight, it is VERY convenient for > ~85 % of all users.

Most people don't use their devices for extensive periods of time plugged in to a wall, and those that do will still be able to do so.

"It will increase the cost of the device.", "I'd rather Apple spent their resources on something else."

If wireless charging would add a large costs to produce the device, then surely Apple wouldn't suddenly raise the prices by a huge amount instead of waiting until they could launch it at a reasonable price point. And it's not like Apple's phones aren't already full of technology that many people don't use, I'm guessing most iPhone users will never use the built in CDMA radios, along with a few the included GSM/HSPA/LTE-bands as well.

EDIT: * Perhaps I should add that I think lower charging efficiency might still be a concern.

 

[mehanika]

Deleted

 

[iSayuSay]

Well, following this approach we would still be living in caves...

Well then I want an iPhone with no charging required at all.
Use solar, body heat or anything.

Wireless charging is still charging, nonetheless (it's cumbersome)

 

[iomar]

[url=http://cdn.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]Image[/url]


Digitimes is reporting that both Apple and Samsung are expected to introduce wireless charging solutions for their "flagship models" of smartphones in 2013.

Image​

While their "industry sources" pinpoint Qi inductive charging as the technology to be used by Samsung, Apple appears to be working on their own version of wireless charging.Samsung's solution is said to be likely an add-on accessory to replace the back-cover of their smartphones. Palm used a similar back-cover replacement option for their short lived Touchstone wireless charging system for the Palm Pre. Digitimes' sources, however, weren't clear if Apple's solution would be built-in or an additional accessory.

Speculation has linked Apple to wireless charging solutions before, but Apple's Phil Schiller downplayed that possibility in late 2012. When questioned by AllThingsD about wireless charging systems:Apple has previously been shown to have done research into magnetic resonance charging technology which is distinct from the more commonly used inductive wireless charging.

Digitimes has a mixed record with Apple rumors, so Apple's likelihood of incorporating such technology so soon remains uncertain.

Article Link: Apple Exploring Wireless Charging for iPhone as Early as 2013?

This is something that I have been looking forward to for a while. Would it be great to put your iPhone down at night and don't worry about plugging it in?

 

[Mactendo]

Theres more electromagnetic heat radiation coming from your bedside lamp. This is not a charging a Tesla model S. Perhaps we can get you a Tinfoil hat?

Perhaps we can send you back to school. First time it was definitely not enough.

 

[burnside]

Speculation has linked Apple to wireless charging solutions before, but Apple's Phil Schiller downplayed that possibility in late 2012. When questioned by AllThingsD about wireless charging systems:

Phil Schiller: "Wireless charging just costs too much for us to produce. You know what doesn't cost too much? New proprietary cables that are about $1 a piece, but can be upselled to $20. Wait til you see next year's new Super Lightning cables. They're round, revolutionary, and will be the new standard!"

 

[SAIRUS]

I say embed it into a new bumper. Apple won't dare upset their accessory partners and get rid of the new charging port.

I'm curious though, with a possibility of a watch, how will it be charged if they try to have it somewhat water resistant?

 

[OrangeSVTguy]

I'd love an internal solution. All the aftermarket solutions we have now have crappy cases. I'd want an internal solution so I can use my case of choice.