Apple is expected to introduce a unique feature to its iPhone 8 Wireless device on its September 12 event. Among other exceptional attributes, this new Apple product will feature wireless charging – the capability to charge the batteries without cords and the likes. Wireless charging is surprisingly not a new technology as it has been around in theory, existing years before newer capabilities were developed.
The very first time the Qi standard technology started gaining grounds was in 2008, however, the Qi standard had been incorporated into more than 140 smartphones, tablets and other devices to date. Some of the gadgets which feature wireless functionalities include; the “Palm pre” launched in 2009, Nokia’s Lumia Window 820 and 920 in 2012, and the Samsung Galaxy S line launched in 2013.
Also, a good number of wristwatches, including the LG watch style, Moto 360, and Apple watches can only be charged via a wireless means; just as certain makes of laptops and tablets can be charged wirelessly.
When the iPhone 8 wireless charging was announced, it got a lot of people excited about the latest development in smartphone technology. The reason for this excitement has a lot to do with many not believing the development would become a reality. But hey, with the advancement in technology as well as all the technological wonders that have been created so far, one may just start to believe that just about anything is possible including wirelessly charging a mobile device.
How Does Wireless Charging Work
The iPhone 8 wireless charging makes use of the Qi technology which involves the instigation of inductive charging over a distance of 4 cm. This inductive charge is sustained by the aid of a Wireless Power Consortium. The technology involves the use of a charging pad with a device that is compatible with the technology. The device is placed on top of the pad, thereby, instigating an energy flow through a resonant inductive coupling which in turn; causes charging to take place.
Manufactures of mobile devices working with this recent technology include BlackBerry, Motorola, Mobility, HTC, Asus, Huawei, Nokia, LG Electronics, Samsung, Sony, and Apple.
Is iPhone8 Wireless Charging Overhyped?
Latest reports suggest that the wireless charging feature may have been blown out of proportion; that the iPhone 8 wireless charging capability will be less powerful than other phones that currently offer the same feature. Should these reports be substantiated, it will definitely be a let down as most users of the iPhone device, especially those who from time to time anticipate the new releases from its stable, will be disappointed to find that a higher version of the mobile device would perform notably below the previous versions.
It is said that the Apple device will only support half of the power profile of Qi version 1.2. This implies that the phone (iPhone 8) will charge at a slower rate compared to other devices when using wireless charging. Furthermore, it has circulated that Apple will tweak the standard so that only charging pads it approved can be used with its devices.
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While all three iPhones launching in 2017 are expected to include wireless charging of some kind, the ability may not be available to iPhone 8, iPhone 7s, and iPhone 7s Plus owners at launch. When Apple joined the Wireless Power Consortium earlier this year, it was anticipated that the company would use the Qi wireless charging standard. But then, Apple opted to use a slower charging profile at 7.5 watts, which according to reports will only be able to power up the phones at about half the speed of the most recent Qi 1.2 standard of 15 watts.
Moreso, the device must be placed directly on the pad, as any movement above an inch would disconnect the phone from charging. Now, this might be a let down as it is widely believed that the phone would be able to charge quickly and at a reasonably far distance. Again, with this technology, one cannot conveniently operate the device whilst charging it.
Anyway, Apple is expected to host an event and unveil the phones, along with a new Apple Watch and 4K Apple TV in about two weeks. As the public continues to wait, hoping that the foregoing reports will be debunked on the day the products will be unveiled, one must find solace in knowing that more improvement in the technology will happen in the coming years.
