Wireless charging mats that can recharge smartphones without the messy cables are already available in the market for a small number of handsets. Rumors suggest that Apple is currently working on a next-generation technology that will allow users to charge their iPhones and iPads from a further distance.
"Apple Inc. is working with partners in the U.S. and Asia to develop new wireless charging technology that could be deployed on its mobile devices as soon as next year, according to people familiar with the plans," says Bloomberg.
Apple is currently overcoming technical barriers and assessing other aspects of the new charging scheme. One of the major issues that Apple is facing is the loss of power over distance, so the further a device is from the charger, the more time it will take to recharge the battery. It remains unclear how Apple is trying to counter the issue without affecting charging time of devices.
iPads and iPhones generate a major chunk of the Apple's revenue. The company has been constantly improving features in its smartphones and tablets. In 2015, the company launched the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus, which come with a number of novel features. The company's pressure-sensitive technology called 3D Touch has debuted in the iPhones of 2015 and the feature is was applauded by smartphone enthusiasts and tech gurus alike.
Apple is said to have been working on wireless charging feature for several years now. In 2010, the company applied for a patent which described a concept of using the iMac personal computer to charge other products from a distance of about one meter.
Apple's rivals Samsung, Sony and Google are some of the companies that produced smartphone with wireless charging capabilities. It should not come as a surprise if Apple introduces wireless charging capability in its tablets and phones as it will help the company stay at par with existing technology and remain in stiff competition with its rivals.
Wireless charging capabilities in iDevices may attract more customers to buy the company's products. Apple is expected to launch the next-generation iPhone 7 in September this year; however, customers may have to wait until 2017 to see the wireless charging feature making its way to iPhones and iPads.
Photo: Glenn3095 | Flickr
