The IPhone Has Wireless Charging. Now What?
It has only been five years since almost all major manufacturers adopted the inductive charging standard, but Apple has finally added Qi inductive charging (also known as wireless charging) to its mobile devices. Better late than never, of course, but do people need to worry about having another way to charge their devices, or is this very long cable enough? Is wireless charging worth the price or potential compatibility issues?
All the latest Apple smartphones, iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X support inductive charging according to the Qi standard. In addition, the company showcased its new Apple Watch Series 3 and AirPods wireless charging case. Apple also gave a quick look at its upcoming AirPower charging pad, which can power up to three devices at the same time, due out in 2018. This means you can charge all of your shiny and expensive Apple products without ever plugging them in (well, you need to plug the charging pad into the wall).
How induction charging works
Induction charging relies on wire coils embedded in devices or device housings called induction coils, and electromagnetic induction, which produces electricity to transfer energy from one device to another. The induction coils inside the charger, combined with the induction coils inside the smartphone, create an electromagnetic field. The coils inside your smartphone convert the energy of this electromagnetic field into electrical current and charge your device.
When it comes to inductive charging (at least on such a small scale), proximity is important, which is why inductive charging often requires users to place their smartphones directly on the charging pad. If your smartphone does not support wireless charging, you can probably find a compatible case with built-in wireless charging functions.
While it’s convenient if you’re tired of plugging in your devices, induction charging is also slow when it comes to charging. If you are looking for a faster way, you should choose a wired connection. And since you can’t precisely move your device while it’s charging from your tablet, that means you’ll have to find something else to play with with your hands.
This video from Seeker succinctly explains the science behind the technology:
The qi standard is everywhere
If you’ve been using an iPhone for a long time and haven’t heard of inductive charging, you’re not alone. Even with over 300 million Qi-compatible devices in use according to the Wireless Power Consortium (creator of the Qi inductive charging standard), this technology hasn’t become as ubiquitous as something like the Lightning cable, no thanks to Apple dropping this feature from his previous smartphones for years. Fortunately, Apple is adopting a well-supported inductive charging standard instead of introducing its own.
However, you can still find samples of it in some pretty popular places. First, Apple Watch owners rely on inductive charging to charge their smartwatches. Some Starbucks locations have induction charging stations using the competing Powermat standard built into in-store desks. IKEA sells a variety of Qi-compatible inductive chargers as well as furniture and lighting with built-in inductive charging stations. Even car brands like Honda and BMW offer wireless charging features as standard or as part of a technology-focused upgrade package.
Wireless charging isn’t for everyone
Sure, you can put your phone on the charging pad when you get home after a long day, but once you’re settled in, you’ll probably reach for it, unplugging it from the charger while you’re on the couch, in bed, or returning for Door. Are you ready to leave your phone unattended, useless on this wireless panel, instead of just plugging it into the 2m charging cable under the coffee table? At least you can hold on to it.
But you’re probably a fan of cool futuristic tech, and if you’re interested in wireless charging, you can definitely use it to your advantage. Firstly, a wireless charger in your bedroom (where your phone, of course, should not be) can save you from hunting for that cable that you dropped behind your nightstand, preventing you from looking at it to look at it on the dock. station, or holding you back by mis-inserting the connector into the port, damaging both in a fit of anxiety filled with drowsiness (I’m not bitter). You will still be asleep, so you can use one while you nap.
Inductive chargers at work or in the car are also convenient places, especially if you tend to forget to plug your phone into a power outlet when you arrive at the office. Eliminating the friction that occurs while charging your device can be the difference between a fully discharged battery and a dead one at the end of the day.