The iPhone 8 is one of the most awaited and anticipated smartphone launches of the year. Though the Apple smartphone's alleged debut is still several months away, leaks and rumors about the upcoming handset have inundated the tech space.
Rumors have been rife that Apple is looking to imbibe wireless charging technology in its iPhone 8, as evidenced by patents from the company. However, a new report dismisses such notions.
The report is courtesy of Copperfield Research, which has published an analysis that suggests Energous Corporation and Apple are not engaged in developing a wireless technology for the iPhone 8. However, the report is speculative and does not offer any concrete evidence to support its assertions.
iPhone 8 Wireless Charging Rumors
Reports have suggested that the use of an all-glass design for the iPhone 8 is to facilitate wireless charging capabilities as well.
Earlier in January, reports revealed that the iPhone 8 would deploy a stainless steel chassis in favor of aluminium, which was also in a bid to offer better wireless charging support.
Moreover, in early January, Apple reportedly applied to the FCC for Bluetooth and NFC certifications for an unnamed "Wireless Device." The model number of the device was A1846 and it shared the same design with another device bearing the model number A1844.
The A1844 was apparently also a wireless device by Apple, which was submitted for certification in September 2016.
Apple And Energous Collaboration
It was rumored that Apple may be working with Energous Corporation to develop the wireless charging iPhone. Energous Corporation has developed charging stations that can charge a device from a distance without being connected to it in any way. Currently, the station can charge a range of only a few inches, but the company is pushing its limits to a range of 4.5 meters.
Copperfield Research Revelations
The latest report shares that Apple was never going to incorporate Energous's Radio Frequency-based technology with the evidence "hidden in plain sight."
The report goes on to state three reasons which apparently render the rumor of Apple working with Energous baseless.
Firslty, the study states that, Apple has applied for a number of patents related to inductive wireless charging in the last few years. Inductive charging is widely used in Samsung smartphones and Apple watches. This type of charging involves magnets, which are used to transfer power. Energous, on the other hand, uses Radio Frequency waves to transfer power. The latest filing regarding inductive charging certification was submitted in December 2016.
"Apple has filed more than 16 patent applications covering aspects of inductive charging, which is the magnetic coil based wireless charging used in Samsung phones and Apple Watches. As a reminder, WATT's technology uses RF waves," states the report.
Secondly, the report cites a statement made by IDTI, one of Apple's suppliers, which says that Apple plans to opt for in-house technology for its wireless charging solution. Although this statement has not been backed by Apple, it can be assumed that IDTI, being one of the suppliers, would have a good idea of what is transpiring.
Finally, Copperfield refers to one of Apple's own patent filings, where Apple engineers have described the Radio Frequency charging technology as "inefficient," "complicated" and "hazardous."
Given that Apple itself doesn't think very highly of the technology, it is unlikely to incorporate it into its upcoming flagship smartphone.
