One of the biggest rumors floating regarding iPhone 8 is its supposed capability or true wireless charging, different from that of the current standard using charging mats in inductive charging.
The supposed feature would allow the iPhone to be charged through Radio Frequency (RF) Charging, which would charge the device from across a room. However, recent developments point that this might no longer push through citing a Copperfield Research report.
However, the report borders on speculation, it however strongly suggests that Apple and Energous Corporation are not in any way engaged in developing any wireless charging technology for the iPhone 8.
iPhone 8 design hints
Various rumors started speculations Apple is indeed preparing the iPhone 8 for wireless charging technology, the first clue was featuring an all-glass design, touted to facilitate wireless charging. Early January, reports surfaced that Apple is ditching aluminum for a stainless steel chassis, also said will facilitate wireless support.
The final clue was Apple's FCC filings for Bluetooth and NFC certifications for an unnamed wireless device last January. Apparently, in September 2016, there was another wireless device submitted for certification.
iPhone 8 wireless inductive charging, not wireless RF
Rumors heightened when veiled claims by Energous CEO Steve Rizzone, whose company is engaged in the development of RF power transmission repeatedly stated, Energous has reached an agreement with one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world, coyly hinting the company is Apple, Forbes reported.
According to Copperfield Research, dubbed 'Game Over,' Apple filed multiple patents for inductive charging since 2013. Inductive technology that is more commonplace today, and as used by Samsung's Galaxy S and Galaxy Note product lines.
Energous through 'WattUp' employs RF charging in contrast to what Apple described back in 2011 for its inductive charging patent as inefficient, not practical, and potentially dangerous. Collaborating with Lite-On Semiconductor for wireless charging bridge rectifiers solidifies Apple's intention in developing inductive charging. If Apple were indeed going after RF charging, the agreement with Lite-On would seem moot since Energous already has its all-in-one module containing a bridge.
Seemingly, Apple does not think too much of the technology to collaborate with Energous and its 'WattUp' for the iPhone 8, and though Apple might have RF charging in the future, certainly it would not be coming with the iPhone 8.
