Apple iPhone 8 will feature built-in wireless charging, claims analyst

Yes, after years of going mainstream on Android flagships, Apple may finally give in to wireless charging in the coming year with its tenth anniversary iPhone 8 models. As reported by 9to5Mac, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities said that the 2017 iPhone, for the first time, will feature wireless charging. According to the analyst, who has a pretty good track record with predictions, Apple iPhone 8 owners will finally be able to charge their smartphones by simply placing them on the charging pad. Apple may choose to stick to the Qi wireless charging standard or go in for new branded technology of its own. Not too long ago, Bloomberg had reported that Apple is working on developing a long-range charging technology for future iPhones. But in his recent prediction, Kuo stated that the new iPhone would be charged in a manner similar to the Apple Watch. And to make this possible, Apple will need to switch to a glass back cover, unless it plans to include it as an add-on accessory in the form of protective case. With that said Nikkei previously hinted that Apple is working with Biel and Lens Technologies a Chinese company for supplying those glass backs. Analyst predictions aside, it gets a bit obvious that Apple’s iPhones will need wireless charging going forward after the company skipped on the 3.5mm headphone jack with the iPhone 7. The move was not well received , owing to a single lightening port that users had to deal with for both charging and listening to music. Users who did not have a Bluetooth headset, had to choose between charging their iPhone or listening to music as doing both was not possible with power as well as audio being routed through a single lightening port. If Apple had to provide wireless charging built-in the iPhone 7, it would have made a bit of sense as those pricey wireless AirPods don’t come bundled with the iPhone 7. Apple is expected to launch three iPhone 8 models in the coming year. A 4.7-inch iPhone 8 along with the standard 5.5-inch model is expected to be joined by a new 5-inch model that will bridge the gap between the two. The iPhone 8 Plus is also expected to feature an OLED display with curved edges.