Apple’s 2017 iPhone lineup is rumored to boast a new inductive wireless charging feature, which will be enabled via an optional charging base. Well-informed Apple blogger John Gruber says he’s heard the new accessory might not be available at the iPhone’s September release.
Gruber has tweeted that his sources indicate the charging accessory will be sold separately from the new handsets, and that it might not ship until later in the year, to be enabled via an “iOS 11.1” update.
I’ve heard that inductive charging will (a) be sold separately, and (b) might be late, waiting for iOS 11.1 (a la Portrait mode last year). https://t.co/N65dHMNQIJ
— John Gruber (@gruber) July 8, 2017
As is normal for reports like this, any such claims should be treated as what they are, unconfirmed reports, although Gruber is well-respected with reliable sources in the industry. No mention has been made as to why Apple would hold off on debuting any standalone charging accessory alongside the new iPhones.
Apple has been said to be working on a long-range charging feature that wouldn’t require placing the device on a charger, such as many other manufacturers’ “wireless” solutions now require. But, it now appears that, if the rumors are correct, the company will offer an Apple Watch-style form of inductive charging, via the optional charging device.
Well-regarded KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last week indicated the three new 2017 model iPhones will offer glass bodies to allow for WPC-standard wireless charging functionality, similar to the Qi wireless charging features included in many recent Android devices.
