Apple has officially joined the governing body that controls the Qi Wireless charging standard. The Cupertino firm’s move indicates there might be some substance to rumors that the upcoming iPhone 8 may boast wireless charging.
Apple was added to the official Wireless Power Consortium website on Sunday, where the iPhone maker is listed as a member of the organization. The news comes as rumors of wireless charging in this year’s so-called “iPhone 8” continue to heat up.
It has been suggested that Apple would offer truly wireless charging, in place of the wireless feature offered by Qi-enabled devices, which require laying a device on a charging mat or puck. It was believed the iPhone maker was working with Energous to create an over-the-air charging solution for the new iPhone, but Sunday’s announcement throws a bit of cold water on that idea, indicating Apple may have to go with a Qi-approved solution this go-round.
In addition to wireless charging, Apple’s new flagship 10th anniversary iPhone 8 is expected to feature an OLED screen, a Touch ID-based Home button integrated into the screen, and no bezels on the front of the device. A faster processor and perhaps larger storage options are also expected.
As expected, the new device is expected to offer a larger battery than the current iPhone lineup. However, the exact capacity of the power cell isn’t known at this point in time.
Apple is expected to break the $1,000 price barrier with the flagship iPhone 8 while maintaining the usual pricing range with two lower-priced models, which will be closer to the current iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus models in appearance, but with improved internal specs, and possibly wireless charging.
