Apple recently became a member of the Wireless Power Consortium, according to 9to5Mac, providing the biggest indication yet its future devices will support the technology. The Cupertino company joins over 200 competitors—including Samsung, Nokia, and Lenovo—who are already members of the consortium promoting the “Qi” standard.
The news is the most significant evidence yet regarding Apple’s interest in adopting a wireless standard. Rumors about an iPhone supporting wireless charging have persisted for years, with reports as recent as last week saying Apple would adopt the technology.
Apple is allegedly prepping three updated iPhones this year, with all new models to feature the new charging method. The likeliest scenario could see Apple introduce a similar inductive method to what’s implemented in competing Android devices, though a report from last year claimed the company was working on a way to charge devices from a distance.
Wireless charging sounds like a lock
Wireless charging has been common among Android devices over the past few years, so the feature won’t exactly be new when Apple introduces it. However, as Apple tends to do, the company could find a way to better implement the technology if and when the feature is available in its upcoming devices.
The iPhone 8 is expected to include a number of notable upgrades, including an OLED display, facial recognition, and a new design.
