Apple Could Unveil Wireless Charging Technology For Mobile Devices This Year
March 8, 2013
Apple and Samsung are gearing up to provide wireless charging technology for future mobile devices. In fact, they could arrive this year, according to Digitimes.
According to a new report, the two technology giants will soon join Nokia, LG Electronics, and HTC, in providing the technology.
For Samsung, wireless charging could arrive with the Galaxy S IV, which is expected to hit store shelves in the coming weeks. Samsung is expected to adopt Qi wireless charging technology.
However, it is noted that the Galaxy S IV, which should debut on March 14, may not come with embedded wireless charging technology. Instead, users would have to purchase replacement back covers for their smartphone. These covers would provide access to a charging pad.
Meanwhile, Apple’s plans seem a little bit further off, at least for the public. Says the report:
Apple is likely to adopt the wireless charging technology developed internally, but it remains unknown if the next-generation iPhone will come with built-in wireless charging capability or with other attached accessories, said the sources.We’ve heard a lot about wireless charging technology over the course of the past few years as it relates to Apple. In mid-2012, Apple was granted a patent for a wireless charging system. In November, it was revealed that Apple had applied for another patent that covers the technology. It will be interesting to see whether Samsung’s wireless charging plans are unveiled this month. If they are, this would be great news for Samsung device owners. However, I can’t imagine that Apple would release a similar feature that would require users to replace the cover of their iPhone. Instead, I would expect Apple to wait until an all-in-one solution were to be available. If it comes with the iPhone 5S, sign me up!