Apple said to be working with Broadcom on wireless charging, may launch in 2018
A JPMorgan analyst claims that Apple has been working with Broadcom on wireless charging for about two years, but the feature may not debut this year. Read on to find out why!
Apple could be working with more than one firm in developing wireless charging technology for the iPhone.
According to JPMorgan analyst Harlan Sur, Apple is likely to use a customized wireless charging system from Broadcom. Sur added that Apple and Broadcom have been working together for about two years. However, wireless charging may not debut on this year's iPhone due to concerns over battery safety after the Note7 recall.
Sur also believes that the rumored "all-glass enclosure" facilitates wireless charging as signal interference is lower compared to a metal casing. He expects Apple to add proprietary features such as fast charging or extended charging to differentiate itself from the competition.
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported last November that the iPhone 8 would support wireless charging. Another firm which is rumored to be working with Apple on wireless charging is Energous; certification testing documents reveal Energous' WattUp reference design undergoing compliance testing at Apple and Apple supplier Dialog investing in Energous.
Apple also hired two engineers from wireless charging firm uBeam in May 2016. Manufacturing partner Foxconn is reportedly testing wireless charging modules for use in the next iPhone.
Source: CNBC
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