Wireless charging

KGI: iPhone 8 will have all glass casing to support wireless charging

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 23, 2016

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said many times over the past few months that Apple's Tenth Anniversary iPhone due next year will move from the current unibody aluminum industrial design to an all-glass front and back plate sandwiched between a stainless steel frame.

In a new note to clients, a copy of which was obtained by MacRumors, Kuo explains that the reason why so-called 'iPhone 8' will switch from metal to glass for its casing is to support advanced wireless charging technologies.

Report: Foxconn working on wireless charging system for iPhone 8

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 17, 2018

Hon Hai Precision Industry is working on a wireless charging system for Apple, reports Nikkei. Citing an industry source familiar with the matter, the outlet claims the manufacturer, better known as Foxconn, is making wireless charging modules for the iPhone 8.

The source adds that the feature making it into Apple's next flagship handset will depend on whether Foxconn can boost the yield rate to a satisfactory level. So if it can't produce these modules at a high quality/volume, we may not see wireless charging next year.

Apple unveils wireless AirPods: $159, pairs automagically with iPhone and Apple Watch

Anthony Bouchard ∙ Updated May 31, 2018

With the removal the 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple has answered many kinds of concerns with the all-new Apple wireless AirPods.

Apple hires two wireless charging engineers from controversial startup uBeam

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 25, 2016

Jonathan Bolus and Andrew Joyce, engineers who worked on wireless charging and ultrasonic technologies for the startup uBeam, are Apple's most recent hires. The Cupertino firm has been bolstering its wireless charging team over the past two years.

News that Apple is staffing up on such experts came amid swirling rumors of wireless charging coming to the next iPhone in 2017.

As The Verge writes, uBeam's technology, even though it works over a short distance, is marred with various technological hurdles and law of physics that experts warn will prove insurmountable and prevent commercialization.

Apple developing new long-range wireless charging tech for iPhone and iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Apple is exploring new wireless charging technology for future iOS devices, Bloomberg reported late Thursday. Citing sources familiar with the plans, the outlet says the company is working with partners in the US and Asia to develop wireless charging tech that works over longer distances than current solutions offer.

Giveaway: Spigen Wireless Charger and Charging case

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

A few week ago, we reviewed the Spigen wireless charger and charging cases for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Today, we're giving away all three.

It should be noted that these cases work for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, or the older iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The wireless charging pads embedded in the cases are Qi-compliant cases, so they should work with a variety of chargers. But just in case you don't already have a Qi charger, we're throwing in Spigen's Wireless Charger stand as well.

How do you win? It's remarkably simple.

Review: Spigen Slim Armor Volt wireless charging case

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

In addition to Spigen's GLAS.tR SLIM screen protector, I've been using its Slim Armor Volt wireless charging case for my iPhone 6s Plus. Spigen sent me a care package filled with a boatload of cases, and this one was by far the most intriguing to me.

There are a good number of Android phones that feature wireless charging capabilities out of the box, but there has never been such a feature for the iPhone. Instead, iOS users will need to opt for some sort of third-party wireless charging case solution, and the Spigen Slim Armor Volt fits the bill.

How well does it work? Watch our full video review and see for yourself.

Qualcomm’s new technology could allow wireless charging through the iPhone’s metal body

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 14, 2016

Apple has patented a few wireless charging methods, but thus far it's only implemented inductive-based wireless charging on the Apple Watch. We're still required to connect our iPhones to chargers and Apple's top dogs have made it clear in the past that existing solutions aren't really the right answer to wireless charging.

But a new technology that Apple supplier Qualcomm unveiled earlier this week could pave the way for wireless charging on iPhones as it allows wireless charging for devices with metal exteriors.

Not only that, but Qualcomm's solution can simultaneously charge multiple devices with different power requirements, say your iPhone and Apple Watch.