Apple's 'iPhone 8' rumored to top out at 7.5W for wireless charging
Roger Fingas
Despite more powerful options being available, Apple will allegedly be going with technology capping the "iPhone 8's" wireless charging at 7.5 watts, resulting in slower speeds.
The company is skipping the primary feature of the Wireless Power Consortium's Qi 1.2.x standard, which is 15-watt "fast" charging, Japan's Macotakara claimed on Saturday. The website cited an "information resource that is well versed in WPC."
The 15-watt specification is already offered by some Qi charging pads. Compatible Android phones have also been on the market for some time, making it unclear why Apple would skip the format.
It's possible that like the Apple Watch, third-party "iPhone 8" chargers will also need an Apple-certified chip to work, Macotakara noted. Indeed the Macotakara source suggested that it may be possible to use a single charger to power both a Watch and the "iPhone 8."
The "iPhone 8" should primarily feature a 5.8-inch OLED display and 3D facial recognition, and be announced at Apple's usual September press event. Also expected are an "iPhone 7s" and "7s Plus," which should have 4.7- and 5.5-inch LCDs, but include some "8" features, wireless charging among them.
All of the phones may get fast cable charging, which could mitigate concerns about wireless support.
William Gallagher
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