Iphone 8/X Wireless Charging Question

[Zigourney]

I know the new iPhones have 5W wireless charging now and will be updated to allow 7.5W with a software update later..But my question is, why does it even need a software update to turn this on at a later stage?

The hardware either has the capability to charge at 7.5W now or it doesn't - why do we need a new software update to flip the switch on or off...doesn't make sense to me...I don't see the requirement for additional software development time to turn a simple on/off feature that the hardware is already capable of now?

I really don't get why we have to wait, haven't apple tested the iphones to charge at 7.5W already??

 

[ACST]

Just because YOU don't see the requirement for additional software development time doesn't mean it isn't there.

 

[Zigourney]

Just because YOU don't see the requirement for additional software development time doesn't mean it isn't there.

I'm non the wiser still.....

 

[Jimpilot]

Not a software guy but I always assumed the device drives how much it will take in charging via a software limitation on the Charging receiver in the phone. Kind of like a constrictor in a pipe, more is available but it only takes what it wants. So if that’s true then it’s just a change to the software limit. Why they need to start with less I don’t know.

 

[Zigourney]

Not a software guy but I always assumed the device drives how much it will take in charging via a software limitation on the Charging receiver in the phone. Kind of like a constrictor in a pipe, more is available but it only takes what it wants. So if that’s true then it’s just a change to the software limit. Why they need to start with less I don’t know.

I know the wired method of charging activates different voltage/amperage/watts profiles depending on the charger/cable combination used, for example the 5W brick in the box vs. optional 12W, 29W etc. So I would of thought this information is already known...so what's the reason for waiting for this to be switched on for a simple two profile charging method, either 5w or 7.5W.

Just curious why for something as simple as that. The QI standard is a known open standard method that's been around for a while now, odd that iphone owners have to wait some more for a simple 7.5W charging profile to be activated later down the line. Its like QI 7.5W wireless charging is in beta still, lame and shame on apple for something as simple as this.

 

[Vermifuge]

Probably has to do with testing at higher charging rates and establishing safety. You know, to avoid a case of The Samsungs™.

 

[Jimpilot]

You know Apples motto, they’re not first, just best. So maybe they are still doing something a little different and want to do incremental upgrade to ensure it works right. Just a guess.

 

[Zigourney]

You know Apples motto, they’re not first, just best. So maybe they are still doing something a little different and want to do incremental upgrade to ensure it works right. Just a guess.

Ye I know what you mean lets wait and see if they give us anything more, my point in raising the question in the first place. Nevertheless on this occasion, they are certainly not the first or best are they..7.5W wireless charging is old tech, currently Qi is at v1.2 at 15W. But that's a different story.

 

[Jimpilot]

Ye I know what you mean lets wait and see if they give us anything more, my point in raising the question in the first place. Nevertheless on this occasion, they are certainly not the first or best are they..7.5W wireless charging is old tech, currently Qi is at v1.2 at 15W. But that's a different story.

I am going to be interested to see what if any they come up with. I don’t know a lot about batteries but is too high a charge rate all the time not good for a battery?

 

[Vermifuge]

Ye I know what you mean lets wait and see if they give us anything more, my point in raising the question in the first place. Nevertheless on this occasion, they are certainly not the first or best are they..7.5W wireless charging is old tech, currently Qi is at v1.2 at 15W. But that's a different story.

They need something to add to the iPhone Xs

 

[Newtons Apple]

I know the new iPhones have 5W wireless charging now and will be updated to allow 7.5W with a software update later..But my question is, why does it even need a software update to turn this on at a later stage?

The hardware either has the capability to charge at 7.5W now or it doesn't - why do we need a new software update to flip the switch on or off...doesn't make sense to me...I don't see the requirement for additional software development time to turn a simple on/off feature that the hardware is already capable of now?

I really don't get why we have to wait, haven't apple tested the iphones to charge at 7.5W already??

Buy time most get their X, Apple will have done this update. It will all be in the software to allow it.

 

[ACST]

I am going to be interested to see what if any they come up with. I don’t know a lot about batteries but is too high a charge rate all the time not good for a battery?

It's indeed worse to constantly charge your phone with higher wattage chargers. Wouldn't recommend using the iPhone's fast charge abilities when charging the phone overnight every day.
It's not gonna break the phone or anything like that, but it will diminish your battery quicker than compared to using a lower wattage charger day to day.

 

[Vermifuge]

It's indeed worse to constantly charge your phone with higher wattage chargers. Wouldn't recommend using the iPhone's fast charge abilities when charging the phone overnight every day.
It's not gonna break the phone or anything like that, but it will diminish your battery quicker than compared to using a lower wattage charger day to day.

I hadn't heard that one. Do you have a source for that? Hopefully something with a little testing or scientific data behind it.

 

[Jimpilot]

I Googled it. This seems to be clear

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/ultra_fast_chargers

Simple Guidelines Regarding Chargers

• If possible, charge at a moderate rate. Ultra-fast charging always causes stress.
• Fast and ultra-fast charge fills the battery only partially; a slower saturation charge completes the charge. Unlike lead acid, Li-ion does not need the saturation charge but the capacity will be a bit lower.
• Do not apply fast charge when the battery is cold or hot. Only charge at moderate temperatures. Avoid fast charging an aged or low-performing battery.

 

[ACST]

I hadn't heard that one. Do you have a source for that? Hopefully something with a little testing or scientific data behind it.

Just a basic rule of science that using more wattage to charge a li-ion battery is worse than using less wattage, really can't be bothered to find some scientific paper for something this basic.

 

[Vermifuge]

Just a basic rule of science that using more wattage to charge a li-ion battery is worse than using less wattage, really can't be bothered to find some scientific paper for something this basic.

I did a search myself because you couldn't be bothered. Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 and subsequently 4.0 seem to have addressed these issues. The addition of INOV (Intelligent Negotiation for Optimum Voltage), which allows for a wide selection of voltages while adjusting dynamically. *

*1. http://www.androidauthority.com/quick-charge-3-0-explained-643053/
*2. https://www.qualcomm.com/products/features/quick-charge
*3. https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2...alcomm-quick-charge-4-your-next-mobile-device

Now we don't know that Apple is using Qualcomm Quick Charge technology. This could account for the amount of testing apple is putting into this technology. Be we can guess that Apple's technology should be at least at good as QQC3.0. It seems like what you believe to be true is out dated by about 5 years as most of the articles with these warnings are dated 2012.

Based on the numbers on this video.* We can infer that apple is using a similar technology/method to Qualcomm's

*4.

 

[nickchallis92]

Just because YOU don't see the requirement for additional software development time doesn't mean it isn't there.

This is such a pointless and pretentious post. I can't believe 4 people actually liked it.