Apple plans long range wireless charging for 2017

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Owen Williams

Former TNW employee

Owen was a reporter for TNW based in Amsterdam, now a full-time freelance writer and consultant helping technology companies make their word (show all) Owen was a reporter for TNW based in Amsterdam, now a full-time freelance writer and consultant helping technology companies make their words friendlier. In his spare time he codes, writes newsletters and cycles around the city.

Apple has long been a hold-out from releasing wireless charging devices, but according to a new Bloomberg report there’s a big reason for that.

The report claims that Apple plans to release ‘long range’ wireless charging that doesn’t need direct contact with a mat. The details are scarce, but it’s expected the Cupertino-based company will add it to iPad or iPhones in 2017.

Current wireless charging technologies, such as Qi, can transmit power at a distance of up to 35mm which means the phone needs to have almost direct contact to continue charging. Still, the standard has been widely adopted in Android phones.

Apple does own a wireless charging patent for using an iMac as a hub to charge devices up to one meter away, which was granted in 2010.

Here’s hoping this rumor comes to fruition, as iPhone battery life is one of the biggest complaints of current owners and charging around the home without cables has been nothing more than a pipe dream so far.

➤ Apple Said Developing Wireless-Charged Phone for as Soon as 2017 [Bloomberg]