Apple is always looking for the next must-have feature to include in the next iPhone in order to drive upgrades, and wireless charging might be the next big one. Android and Windows phones have had wireless charging for years, however, Apple is reportedly working on a much more useful version of the technology that could work without setting the phone down on a charging pad.
Charging technologies like Qi and PMA used in other mobile devices allow you to set a phone down on a charging pad to juice it up. This can be very convenient, however, you can’t use the device while it’s charging. The range for even next-generation versions of this technology is just a few inches. According to Bloomberg, Apple is working with partners in the US and Asia to make wireless charging work more like WiFi.
The idea is that you’d be able to place wireless power hubs around a home or office, and have you phone charge wirelessly wherever it is in the room. There are several startups that have shown off systems that do just that, however, the technology is far from ready for commercialization. Apple is said to be planning on this feature as early as 2017. If it’s confident that its partners have nailed wireless power, we can expect Apple to acquire the unnamed firm in the next year or so to lock out competitors.
Apple has seen sales of its mobile devices slow lately as it begins to saturate the market, and that’s a problem when most of its revenue comes from the iPhone and iPad. A wireless power standard might give consumers reason to upgrade in larger numbers. Plus, Apple will be able to sell a bunch of expensive wireless power hubs.