An upcoming iteration of Apple's iPhone will probably come with a customized wireless charging system, according to a new report.
Apple is reportedly developing such a system with Broadcom, an American semiconductor technology company, says a JPMorgan analyst.
Apple Working With Broadcom For Wireless Charging Technology
The partnership between Apple and the chip manufacturer, dubbed a "key enabler of Apple's best in-class performance," according to a report by CNBC, has been occurring for about two years. However, Harlan Sur, the analyst, says that the feature may not come out on the next iPhone, largely because of the battery fiasco of last year's Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
Despite this, Sur's forecast parallels the dearth of iPhone 8 rumors swirling about, particularly with the wireless charging capability of Apple's next flagship device. Ming-Chi Kuo, an oft-on point Apple analyst, expects all three iPhone models to feature the charging system, and Apple confirmed that it has joined the Wireless Power Consortium, bolstering Kuo's prediction.
Gleaning from the rumor that the next iPhone might sport an all-glass body, a wireless charging system makes sense.
"We believe the glass back cover is conducive to wireless charging as it reduces signal interference versus a metal casing," wrote Sur. Additionally, Apple may introduce unique wireless charging features to single it out from the wireless charging crowd.
Partnership Could Bring Huge Bucks To Broadcom's Coffers
Offering an estimate, Sur said that the next iPhone's wireless charging feature could lend Broadcom a $500 million to $600 million opportunity. However, Apple's partnership with the Broadcom is still in speculation territory, as past rumors suggest that the Cupertino company is approaching Lite-On Semiconductor, MediaTek, Foxconn, Pegatron, and Luxshare, for wireless charging partnerships, which makes it difficult to decipher Apple's plans for wireless charging.
According to MacRumors's report, early speculation suggested that Apple would utilize a long-range wireless charging system, although more recent rumors point to Apple careening into an inductive charging solution, much like its Apple Watch. A glass body, as suggested, is required for this to work, which is exactly what rumors are pointing to.
iPhone 8 Rumors
Apart from wireless charging, Apple's next iPhone is reportedly outfitted with an extensive redesign, starkly different from its predecessors. There are also rumors of an iris scanner, an edge-to-edge OLED made by Samsung, and no home button.
As with all iPhone releases in the past, this one will reportedly be positioned as a high-end, top-tier premium smartphone, with the cost hovering to an upwards of $1,000. Rumors also suggest that apart from the iPhone 8, Apple will also release 4.7- and 5.5-inch devices that'll resemble its present-day flagships, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
As for an unveiling and release date, Apple typically unveils new iPhone iterations every September, so the iPhone 8 may very well step outside curtains this fall.
Thrilled for the iPhone 8? What features do you expect on Apple's forthcoming flagship? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
