As early as 2012, reports suggested that Apple has been researching the possibility of wireless charging technology. Years have passed and the tech giant's rumored vision of a "completely wire-free next generation of iPhones" continues to get more hype, as iPhone's leading manufacturer Foxconn is reported to be testing wireless charging hardware for Apple's 2017 flagship smartphone iPhone 8.
Foxconn is a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturing company and world's largest contract electronics manufacturer that has produced iPhone and iPad products to name a few. Sources close to Foxconn's operations stated that the Apple contractor is producing batches of wireless charging modules for Apple's 10th anniversary next year, according to Nikkei.
The same source said that the Taipei-based manufacturer is still boosting yield rates to satisfactory levels, which makes it unclear whether the company may be able to produce the wireless charging component in 2017. Also, Apple ships millions of iPhone units every quarter yearly, and with the next generation's fresh design and wireless features, the demand is expected to soar high.
In May, an Apple Insider report stated that Apple hired a dozen of wireless charging experts, including two exquisite engineers from uBeam. In September, Apple requested a batch of wireless charging chip samples from Taiwanese semiconductor company MediaTek.
Apple has made research and developments in long distanced charging, with "realistic and practical approach" to wireless power, providing over-the-air electricity to low-power devices within a distance of one meter.
The wireless charging technology could be limited to a high-end premium model, with plans to reserve cutting edge features like OLED technology for a single top-of-the-line 5.5-inch flagship device. Aside from that, iPhone 8 is reported to come in three sizes, with glass back features. The top-of-the-line design and wireless charging solution are the factors expected to cause higher sales in line with Apple's 10th anniversary next year.
The upcoming wire-free generation of Apple devices is truly on its way, as the company released its first inductive charging solution with Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable. The latter is a magnetic puck that draws energy from a USB power source.
Apple is yet to officially announce the launch date of iPhone 8.
