Apple this week joined the Wireless Power Consortium, a congregation of over 200 companies that governs the Qi standard of wireless charging found on most smartphones currently. Though not definitive in its relation to the iPhone 8, the move has provided even more fuel to the rumours surrounding the inclusion of wireless charging on an iPhone for some time.
While Apple has generally proven to be slower in adopting industry-wide standards and features until it feels a rightful need to do so (for example, including NFC on its devices years after competitors), this hasn"t stopped its fans from wishing for the inclusion of newer features found on competing phones and the ensuing rumours regarding the next model of the iPhone including them. One of the most prominent features in this regard has been wireless charging, which some competing phones have had for years.
This move may present the most tangible evidence for Apple"s intention to add the technology to its devices. Alongside the company"s joining of the WPC, several experts have identified the likelihood of the nifty convenience being included in the next iteration of the iPhone.
Apple currently only offers one device with wireless charging and that"s the Apple Watch. As such, signing up to the WPC may simply be an attempt to shore up its position with regard to the feature as found on its wearable but Apple"s increasing interest in the field, alongside its growing expertise definitely has insiders hopeful.
Source: Wireless Power Consortium via Gizmodo