Rumor: Apple's 'iPhone 8' will use separate wireless charging accessory, ditch Lightning-t...
Only one of this fall's upcoming iPhone models -- the so-called "iPhone 8" or "iPhone X" -- will offer inductive charging and a glass back, but buyers will have to use a separate accessory to juice up wirelessly, a report said on Saturday.
The accessory could be based on technology by Luxshare, a Chinese company previously thought to be supplying coils for the wireless charger bundled with the Apple Watch, according to Japan's Mac Otakara. The site's claims may imply that Apple is depending on contact-based wireless charging, rather than exploring "long-distance" options like Energous and Dialog Semiconductor.
Apple is also said to be abandoning bundled Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters with future iPhones. It included one with the iPhone 7, hoping to stem a backlash from people who rely on 3.5mm-based audio accessories -- the phone otherwise depends on Lightning and Bluetooth.
At the same time, the company isn't expected to include a Lightning-to-USB-C cable by default, despite USB-C ports being standard on the MacBook and MacBook Pro. Other Macs don't have built-in USB-C, and the standard is still rare on Windows PCs.
The accuracy of the Mac Otakara rumor is questionable, especially as the site suggests that anticipated 4.7- and 5.5-inch models won't have wireless charging or glass backs, while the "iPhone 8" will have a 5-inch display. These points conflict with other recent reports, which have said for instance that the "X" will sport a 5.8-inch OLED panel, or at least a 5.1- to 5.2 inch one.
Mac Otakara has at least occasionally proven accurate, having successfully predicted some iPhone 7 features like the removal of the headphone jack.
The "iPhone X" could prove to be too expensive for many phone shoppers, with a rumored price tag ">over $1,000. It may be intended as a special 10th-anniversary device however, especially given low OLED capacity in the supply chain.
The accessory could be based on technology by Luxshare, a Chinese company previously thought to be supplying coils for the wireless charger bundled with the Apple Watch, according to Japan's Mac Otakara. The site's claims may imply that Apple is depending on contact-based wireless charging, rather than exploring "long-distance" options like Energous and Dialog Semiconductor.
Apple is also said to be abandoning bundled Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters with future iPhones. It included one with the iPhone 7, hoping to stem a backlash from people who rely on 3.5mm-based audio accessories -- the phone otherwise depends on Lightning and Bluetooth.
At the same time, the company isn't expected to include a Lightning-to-USB-C cable by default, despite USB-C ports being standard on the MacBook and MacBook Pro. Other Macs don't have built-in USB-C, and the standard is still rare on Windows PCs.
The accuracy of the Mac Otakara rumor is questionable, especially as the site suggests that anticipated 4.7- and 5.5-inch models won't have wireless charging or glass backs, while the "iPhone 8" will have a 5-inch display. These points conflict with other recent reports, which have said for instance that the "X" will sport a 5.8-inch OLED panel, or at least a 5.1- to 5.2 inch one.
Mac Otakara has at least occasionally proven accurate, having successfully predicted some iPhone 7 features like the removal of the headphone jack.
The "iPhone X" could prove to be too expensive for many phone shoppers, with a rumored price tag ">over $1,000. It may be intended as a special 10th-anniversary device however, especially given low OLED capacity in the supply chain.
Comments
And we can hope—not proprietary. I'd love to see Apple, Google, Intel and others form a consortium to build an open safe standard for wireless power. Even if it means it slows down the the introduction by a few years. This needs to be done right and it needs to be open. This is where the existence of a stock market fucks mankind. For the short term profit of a handful of shareholders the world suffers utter complexity and needless confusion.
On another front I expect our famed "well connected analyst" to be called out when he's once again wrong about iPhone 7s, 7s plus and 8 getting wireless charging. We may not even see a 7s. And why would a 7s get a glass back anyway?
Apple wasn't mentioned of course, but putting that with this report kinda makes sense. Apple might have no choice but to sell a standalone remote charger that isn't yet available when the iPhoneX begins shipping.
I am surprised at the rumour there will not be a USBC cable. It would definitely still need the old USB. But Apple really should supply both if it really wants to push USBC. Even if the buyer doesn't currently have USBC, it would be worth the marketing value alone as the message would be there for the future.
I support the new MBP only having USBC, but Apple should have included a nice little white case with a few useful dongles inside, with 'transition pack' in a large, friendly looking font on the outside. Again the marketing value would have been worth the cost."here at Apple we want to set you up for a better future, and here are some dongles to help you as you gradually transition" in small print underneath. It would have demonstrated that Apple was forward looking, eager to help people with their transition. Apple prides itself on the liberal arts/engineering interface does it not? Or is that too transgressive for Tim Cook?
As for the wireless charging rumour, if it isn't remote/at a distance/magical and instead requires a stand or a pad, it would be just plain embarrassing. Apple would deserve every lump of the ridicule it would get.
I can't wait for the iPhone to be similar.
I do agree with putting a USB to USBC connector with the new MacBooks and Macs but if you're spending $1500+ already, what's another $30.
That said, OLED will certainly be a mistake if it's true. Larger phones do not make sense. 3.5" or 4.0" phones with HD screens are the best compromise between size and battery life. Everything larger is is too large (and too expensive) for most people, but they make sense for people with larger hands, or are visually impaired.
So what's an iPhone x and what's an iPhone 8?
They can just name it iPhone, iPhone air and iPhone pro and call it a day.
Or they can simply keep business as usual, put a 7s out and do updated looks next year. It's not like they love to celebrate anniversary Microsoft style, and 10 years isn't that significant a mark to make a fuss.
What do I know. All logical options in line with their thinking history. But people keep inventing all these twisted ideas that make no sense.
I'm in line with a previous poster, it's not likely that comes till a few years from now. And it's known, I'd say.