Apple reportedly adding wireless charging to iPhone
Apple is working with supply partners on new wireless charging technology that allows the iPhone to be charged further away from charging mats used with current smartphones, reports Bloomberg.
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The feature, which has yet to be confirmed, could give the iPhone an edge over competitors, while making the addition a first for Apple's flagship smartphone. The company has stuck with charging its iPhone through the Lightning port, and many competitors have moved to wireless charging, as it's more convenient. You can just lay your smartphone on a charging pad without any cords -- akin to the technology used in the Apple Watch.
The report notes Apple is currently working to overcome technical barriers like loss of power over distance. Efficiency of power transfer decreases as the distance between transmitter and receiver grows, which means batteries take longer to recharge.
There's no word if the wireless charging feature will come with the iPhone 7 reported to be released in the second-half of this year. The new model is said to drop the 3.5mm headphone jack in favor for Bluetooth. Apple could be on track to ditch the Lightning port altogether in favor of wireless charging and wireless Beats headphones.
Apple reported in its fiscal first quarter 2016 earnings earlier this week that iPhone sales are slowing at 74.7 million, up by a fraction of 74.5 million in the year-ago quarter. Apple also offered guidance that iPhone sales will decline year-over-year in next quarter's report.
Features like wireless charging could excite more people to buy iPhones and give a spike to Apple's still-staggering sales.