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Wireless charging on iPhone X/8 possible with cases?

derbladerunner

derbladerunner

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 15, 2005
322
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This question is very relevant since many people keep their iPhone in a case - even more so lately because of the camera bumps.

I have found little info on wireless charging and cases.

I also have no experience with the Qi standard (or Apple's upcoming improvements aka "AirPower").

There's an article here that gives some basic indications:

Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: It depends on your iPhone 8 case.

The Qi standard for wireless charging has been around for a while now and has been tested and proven to work on other smart phones in cases. The signal can penetrate through multiple milimeters of material. In fact, the 5w Qi charging pads can penetrate through up to 40mm (1.5 inches) of material! The higher the output of the charger though, the lower the range goes though. Which is likely why Apple will be adopting the 7.5w standard as a good middle ground between the 5w and 15w options.
...
The wireless charging signal can pass through most *non-metalic* materials, and easily passes through the thickness of most all standard cases. Based off this data, properly positioned, yes you can wirelessly charge your iPhone 8 while it is in its case... as long as your case isn't made of any kind of metal which blocks the signal.
Click to expand...

http://www.padandquill.com/blog/2017/08/31/can-wirelessly-charge-iphone-8-case/

It would be very cumbersome to take the iPhone out of its case every time for wireless charging. Beats the purpose of easier/faster charging...

Have any of you found early reviews testing wireless charging of the X or 8 wrapped in cases?

I guess the short review times at Apple Park (right after the keynote) didn't allow for testing with cases...
 
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This will likely be a concern For some cases. But I would say it depends on the thickness of the case that would possibly prohibit the inductive charging. Otherwise, if somebody was unsure, Apple OEM cases would likely be a safe bet.
 
Go to Amazon and look up wireless charging stands/pads. Find popular ones and read all the comments. While these are usually for Android phones currently - you will get an idea of which cases do work with no issue, and there seem to be a few that always cause problems. You might want to purchase, or avoid those brands of cases when the X comes out.

I'm new to wireless charging as of 1 week ago and all my cases have worked without issue on a cheaper $30 wireless charger stand - but I don't use 'rugged' cases.
 
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How about through a 1+1/8th inch desktop made of particleboard / wood? I would be pretty jazzed if I could just stick a Qi charging pad on the UNDERSIDE of my desk and be able to set the phone down above it (about 1+1/8" as previously mentioned) and have it charge up seemingly from nowhere.

Anyone have any experience with this scenario?
 
I have no experience with wireless charging but it seems like we'd need to use some common sense. Like maybe thinner cases would work but thicker cases might not.

For instance, I currently have a plastic case BUT it's has a drawer for 3 credit cards on the back. I'm not expecting something like that to work.
 
Like others said, probably not a thick "Otterbox" type case. However normal thin cases should work fine. I plan on buying the Apple silicone case though, as I like my current one.
 
if I have an iPhone battery case on an iPhone 8 will the charging power permeate through the case battery right into the iPhone 8 battery? LOL
 
Never had a phone with wireless charging since I’ve had only had iPhones for the last... since iPhones came out.

My kid asked me something yesterday I never had to think about though.

How practical is wireless charging anyway. With wired you can at least use the phone while it’s charging. Sure at night, work, etc.. it may be fine. For those that have or had devices that support wireless. Did you ever exclusively switch to that tech.
 
I might construct a bed underneath my desk at work, install the wireless charger down there and lay on my side while I use the phone during charge
 
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ALSO: Worth mention, Qi is supposed to, at the 5W power, have a range of about 1.5"... Hence my earlier question in this thread.
 
The Apple cases are compatible.

Designed by Apple to complement iPhone X, the form of the silicone case fits snugly over the volume buttons, side button, and curves of your device without adding bulk. A soft microfiber lining on the inside helps protect your iPhone. On the outside, the silky, soft-touch finish of the silicone exterior feels great in your hand. And you can keep it on all the time, even when you’re charging wirelessly.
Click to expand...
 
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