Apple recently with the unveiling of its new smartphone series this week, the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X.
No doubt cable system of charging has long been in existence for a while now, but with the herculean task of carrying about charging cables might just be brought to an abrupt stop with the integration of wireless charging by companies in their newly built smartphones.
The technology so far, which uses wireless charging pad having been included in other several other phones already, has failed to achieve its mainstream success thereby leading to a question as to if the feature can be able to withstand the test of time.
Also known as “Qi” – the standardised form of wireless charging has been around for some time being in the tech industry, but maybe Apple might just be the ones to unleash the feature fully with the release of their new smartphone series.
What is wireless charging?
Wireless charging feature, unlike the conventional charging, is a system which happens via an electromagnetic field created by a charging pad where you plug a wire into a port. This can either be resting on top of a surface or actually built into the surface itself as the case may be.
This is possible as power is been transmitted through the electromagnetic field from the charging pad to the device itself, which must have a built-in receiver coil that generates current from the signal.
The standardised form of wireless charging is known as “Qi” and has already been implemented in places like Heathrow and some McDonald’s outlets.
Big tech Companies such as Samsung and Sony have so far embraced and integrated this tech standard in building phones that work on it – having originally agreed terms with the Wireless Power Consortium back in 2008.
The wireless charging plates are waterproof and wipe-clean and usually free to use for the public.
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Are the iPhone X and iPhone 8 running the Qi standard?
Apple’s new iPhones all have glass backs, which enable wireless charging for the first time.
Despite doubts about its integration, Apple itself has decided to back the Qi standard, meaning the recently released iPhones will work with third-party charging mats from the likes of Belkin and Mophie.
This is possible as the new Apple iPhones are been built with glass backs, which enables electromagnetic transfer thereby making wireless charging in them a reality.
AirPower
During their new iPhone unveiling, the company also took time to introduce their new Apple-designed wireless charging accessory which they called “AirPower”, likely to be available in 2018.
AirPower, a device which will allow iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X users and “hopefully” other smartphone type users to simultaneously charge up to three devices, including the Apple Watch Series 3 and probably a new optional wireless charging case for AirPods.
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However, this new Apple accessory does not follow the Qi standard for wireless charging, so it will only have to serve Apple products for now.
Does that mean extra cost for me?
Apple’s not going to go cable-free immediately, for now. The iPhone X and iPhone 8 both have a Lightning port on the bottom and a charging cable in the box.
Therefore, to take advantage of the wireless charging capabilities of your iPhone, you’ll have to get yourself a wireless charging pad sold separately.
Chances are that you can get one new Boost?Up Wireless Charging Pad from Belkin from their website belkin.com available for purchase from September 15 for a fee £59.99 at and £54.95 at apple.com.
Meanwhile, the Mophie wireless charging base costs £49.95 and will be available at Apple.com, Apple stores worldwide, and mophie.com on September 20.
Having introduced their own AirPower charging mat during the smartphone series launch, chances are that it will only be available from next year with the price yet to be announced.
The most expensive iPhone yet?
No doubting that, with a starting price of £999 – rising to £1149 for the top-of-the-range 256GB model – the iPhone X is Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet and for now let’s enjoy the ride.
Samuel Philip wrote a concise guide on the Price,Release Date, Features and overall specifications and clues on each at Techkibay
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are slightly more affordable if you are on a budget, with a starting price of £699 and £799 respectively.
However, if you plan to use wireless charging, you’ll need to factor in the extra cost of the charging pads when working out which one to go for.
Image Credit: – Mirror |
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