Can We Expect More From Apple on Wireless Charging?

Apple held a 2019 press event to announce the 2019 iPhone 11 series as well as updated iPad and Apple Watch versions. Following up on the success of the iPhone XR, Apple unveiled the iPhone 11 which a new aluminum and glass body and two rear cameras. It comes with a price tag that is cheaper than expected.

After cancelling plans earlier this year to launch a wireless charging pad, it was rumored that the company may be about to release an iPhone (iPhone 11) that will not only charge other Qi-enabled mobile phones, but also Apple AirPods and the Apple Watch. Apple's version of phone-to-Qi-enabled-device wireless charging was expected to be included in the event’s announcements and possibly other hardware.

Which Apple Devices Have Had Wireless Charging?

Apple, a member of the Wireless Power Consortium, introduced wireless charging in their 10th anniversary iPhone X model, together with the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus in 2017. These were followed in 2018 with the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR, and in 2019 Apple also released the second-generation AirPods with an upgraded Wireless Charging Case. All of these handsets use the Qi wireless charging standard. Previous models are compatible with wireless chargers with the use of an accessory or add-on.

Has Apple Had Success With Wireless Charging?

In the past, Apple has had mediocre success with wireless charging. Introduced with the iPhone X last year, wireless charging is a great way to recharge an iPhone, without needing to connect a Lightning cable. Instead, the iPhone is placed on top of the charger, positioned in line with an embedded charging coil which transfers power to the iPhone's battery. Apple approved Mophie Wireless Charge Pad, which was specifically developed with the iPhone X in mind, and it will work with iphone xs wireless charging as well as iphone xr wireless charging. It supports fast charging up to 7.5W, and its rubber surface will keep the new iPhone in place while it charges. 

Apple has had issues bringing wireless charging up to its standards. They previously announced plans for a wireless charger, AirPower, charging pad in September 2017 and then by the end of 2018. But there was never an AirPower release announcement in spite of Apple’s leading competitors Samsung and Huawei both including the feature in flagship phones. The company’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, Dan Riccio, said in a statement at the time that the AirPower wireless charger "would not achieve our high standards," so Apple had canceled the project. 

The New iPad  

The star of Apple's most recent 2019 event was the 10.2-inch iPad. There had been predictions that the company was releasing certain devices, features and accessories but it turned out to be just a rumor. However, there could possibly be more announcements before the end of the year. If so, some of the predictions could still come true.  A few of the predictions that didn’t come true but may be released later include:

1. No built-in wireless charging: Announcements of the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro did not include the addition of reverse wireless charging to the 2019 iPhone line at some point. If they had, Apple’s handsets would have allowed for wirelessly transfer power to other Qi-compatible devices.

2. No Mention of any iPad Pros: There were references to seven upcoming Apple tablet configurations from an Eurasian intergovernmental agency’s database which is more than can be explained with one model. However, only the 10.2-inch iPad was mentioned.

3. No mention of Replacements for the iPhone XS and XS Max: There were rumors that the replacements for the iPhone XS and XS MaxiPhone 1, the Pro models, would include support for a redesigned Apple Pencil making them a direct competitor with the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and its active stylus. There was no announcement at the press event.

iPhone 11 Release 

The new iPhone 11 supports Dolby Atmos sound and contains the fast new A13 Bionic processor. Apple has already declared its new chip the fastest processor in a smartphone and the iPhone 11 puts all that power to use. Face ID has been improved in the iPhone 11 and has better water and dust resistance. The new shooters on the back got the most event announcement time. The iPhone 11 camera has two cameras on the back with one being an ultra-wide lens that lets you capture more of the scale of subjects. The other is a normal lens instead of a telephoto lens which might be a disappointment for people who like to get in closer without moving.

The iPhone 11 comes in six colors and includes a 6.1-inch True Tone LCD display.  iPhone 11 costs just $699, making it even cheaper than the iPhone XR. It launches later this month alongside the new iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone Pro Max. 

Phones and Tablets with Built-in Qi Wireless Charging 

Apple iPhone: XS Max XS, XR, 8, 8 Plus,

Samsung Galaxy: S10 Plus, S10, S10e, Note 9, S9, S9+, Note 8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 Edge (Plus more devices)

Sony: Xperia XZ3, Xperia XZ2 Premium, Xperia XZ2 (Plus more devices)

The Apple AirPods, with Wireless Charging Case, provide the wireless headphone experience. Pull them out of the case and they’re ready to use with your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac.

You can charge your AirPods quickly with the Wireless Charging Case. Just set the case down on a Qi-compatible charging mat and let it charge. The Wireless Charging Case holds multiple charges for more than 24 hours of listening time.

Future of Wireless Charging

There is a great deal of research into non-contact wireless charging. This could mean rooms equipped with devices that can transmit energy over distance so you will no longer have to put the phone on a charging pad. Other areas of possibility include putting low-power wireless charging pads everywhere, integrated into furniture so people will “top off” throughout the day rather than getting a full charge.

See Wireless Chargers