You may never have to plug in your iPhone again.
Apple has joined an industry group working on wireless charging, furthering existing rumors that the next iPhone will charge without cords. The Wireless Power Consortium, which consists of about 200 organizations promoting a single wireless charging standard, confirmed to CNNTech that Apple joined the group last week.
iPhone rumors swirl in the months leading up to each new release, and the hype around the so-called “iPhone 8” is particularly high: apple (NASA) A major redesign is expected this fall to mark the smartphone’s 10th anniversary.
The company has already shown an interest in doing away with bulky wires. The Apple Watch can be charged wirelessly, provided consumers spend $79 on a magnetic charging stand. The latest MacBooks now only have one USB port.
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Apple will also create another iPhone revenue stream by selling wireless charging stations separately. The feature will simplify charging for smartphone users. Users don’t need to plug in their phone, just place it on the charging stand.
Apple said in a statement Monday that it is joining the Wireless Power Consortium to contribute ideas as wireless charging standards are developed.
As for the speculated possible features of the next iPhone, other rumors include an edge-to-edge display, a glass body, and the removal of the home button.
CNNMoney (Washington) First posted Feb 13, 2017: 2:42pm EST