Will the iPhone 8 Have Wireless Charging Capabilities?

There has been a lot of speculation recently about the possible new features of the upcoming iPhone 8. Some of the ideas put forward represent little more than rumors, but many of the features have been suggested by market analysts, Apple insiders and from details about Apple's recent purchasing and deal-making.

One of the features that has been widely discussed is whether or not the iPhone 8 will have built-in wireless charging technology. At the moment, most high-end Android devices, such as the Galaxy S7, feature wireless charging capabilities. Apple themselves already utilize wireless charging in their Watch products.

Yet the iPhone seems to have fallen behind its competitors when it comes to the introduction of wireless charging. If users want to charge their iPhone wirelessly, they must currently make use of external add-on products such as wireless charging cases.

So, what is Apple waiting for? Previous reports over the past year or so suggested that Apple would wait until they had developed a more advanced type of wireless technology that allows for long-distance charging before releasing smartphones with wireless charging capabilities.

Yet, Apple recently joined an industry group called the Wireless Power Consortium, suggesting that the iPhone 8 may be the first model to include the technology.

While Apple has confirmed that they joined the Wireless Power Consortium, they have not yet spoken directly about whether the iPhone 8 will feature the technology. Reports also suggest that Apple has been working alongside multiple groups concerning wireless charging.

Most recently, a research note by Timothy Arcuri of Cowen and Company, originally discovered by Apple Insider, suggested that the iPhone 8 will support either Qi or Airfuel charging capability. Qi charging requires physical contact with a charging pad, whereas Airfuel can charge over short distances without need for contact.

Though Apple may have been aiming to develop a longer-range wireless charging function, perhaps using methods such as Energous' technology, they may have had to take a step back and opt for the more commonly used and currently approved options. The FCC may never approve the use of higher levels of power for long-range charging, and so Qi charging is the most likely solution.

Qi charging works using inductive technology. A small coil within the charging pad reacts with a small coil in the phone or device, creating a weak electro-magnetic field that can charge a phone over time. If the rumors are true, iPhone 8 users will be able to simply place their smartphone on a charging pad, either at home or while on the move.

Other rumors around the iPhone 8's features include the release of three different versions: one with a 4.7 inch screen, one with a 5.5 inch screen, and a high-end model, which could be the only version with an edge-to-edge display screen. Users who like gaming on their iPhone, using the PokerStars app and other popular games, will be able to enjoy more screen space, as well as the potential lack of a 'home' button to get in the way.

Given the combination of reports, and the fact that iPhone's major competitors feature the technology, it is looking very likely that the iPhone 8 will have wireless charging technology. But as always with other rumors, this cannot be confirmed until Apple give their word.