Rumors of the iPhone 8 featuring wireless charging have been circulating for a while now. In a research note, JPMorgan analyst Harlan Sur confirms that Apple and Broadcom are working together to come up with a custom wireless charging system for the next iPhone. However, he claims that wireless charging for the iPhone might not arrive until 2018.
According to Sur, Apple and Broadcom have been in partnership for two years now, working on a wireless charging solution.
The analyst also commented on the build material for the next iPhone, saying that it may feature a glass back, as it has been rumored before. A glass back helps reduce interference with electromagnetic induction, which would have been difficult with a metallic frame. Apple may also include some "propriety features" to exclude itself from the masses. Sur says:
"We believe the glass back cover is conducive to wireless charging as it reduces signal interference versus a metal casing. It is possible for Apple to add proprietary features such as fast charging or extended charging to differentiate itself from the pack and enhance the value of its own hardware ecosystem."
He also noted that we might not see wireless charging in this year's iPhones, as Apple is practicing caution after the Galaxy Note7's fiery fiasco.
On the other hand, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is of the view that all three iPhones rumored for release this year will feature wireless charging. Other reports also claim that only the most premium-level iPhone will have this feature along with a price tag of more than $1,000.
Although Apple joined the Wireless Power Consortium earlier this week, the research note from Sur raises questions regarding wireless charging for this year's iPhones.
Source: CNBC
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