Apple has been long-rumored to bring wireless charging with the upcoming iPhone overhaul and it seems the electronics titan is finally pulling the trigger on the new tech.
Esteemed KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested we can expect all three rumored iPhone 8 models to feature inductive charging. Kuo further notes wireless charging is also likely to land on the refreshed iPhone 7 versions slated to arrive this fall.
The KGI expert claims the addition of wireless charging could result in higher production costs. Since wireless charging has been known to increase the temperature of the handsets, Kuo predicts Apple’s upcoming phones will likely feature an upgraded 3D Touch module with “additional graphite sheet lamination” to prevent overheating.
MacRumors has obtained a copy of Kuo’s notes:
While we don’t expect general users to notice any difference, lamination of an additional graphite sheet is needed for better thermal control and, thus, steady operation; this is because FPCB is replaced with film, which is more sensitive to temperature change of the 3D touch sensor in OLED iPhone.
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This speculation aligns with other recent reports suggesting the forthcoming iPhone 8 could be Apple’s most expensive handset yet, with rumors hinting the price could be over $1,000 for the premium model.
While other phone-makers like Samsung and LG have already integrated wireless charging into some of their devices, Apple is yet to do the same with its iPhones.
Taking into account that back in September leaked Apple patents suggested the company is working on its own inductive wireless charging gadgets, it seems this time around we might finally see the technology make it to market.
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