The wireless charging capabilities of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will reportedly receive a boost later this year, courtesy of a future over-the-air firmware update from Apple.
Right now, the iPhone 8 charges at a rate equal to that of the 5-watt USB Power Adapter that Apple provides with the iPhone. However, according to an early review of the device (no doubt with a tip-off from Apple), this will increase slightly later this year.
It’s not clear yet how fast Apple’s software update could make wireless charging. It’s worth noting, though, that the wireless charging tech Apple uses is based on the Qi standard established by the Wireless Power Consortium — which supports up to 15-watt “fast” charging.
There’s certainly room for improvement. In one of the iPhone 8 reviews published today, The Verge noted that: “I only saw about 15 percent more charge on the 8 Plus every 30 minutes with the Mophie, which is especially pokey when you consider that you can’t pick up and use your phone during that time.”
Apple’s own charging mat
One of the biggest surprises of last week’s keynote was the announcement of Apple’s very own wireless charging pad, although it won’t be available until next year. No pricing or exact release date has been announced, but unlike other wireless charging solutions, Apple’s AirPower tech can charge your iPhone X, Apple Watch Series 3 and AirPods all on the same spot.
For more on wireless charging and its various pros and cons, check out our handy guide here.
Are you sold on wireless charging as a technology? Will it influence your decision on whether or not to upgrade to the new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X? Leave your comments below.
Source: The Loop
