More Proof iPhone 8 Could Come With Wireless Charging Surfaces Online

Apple is not unveiling its iPhone 8 to the public until September, but as early as this week news about the upcoming flagship smartphone is becoming widespread. The latest report about the iPhone 7 successor provides more proof that the handset could really launch with wireless charging functionality.

On Thursday, DigiTimes learned from Chinese-language publication Commercial Times that Taiwanese company Lite-On Semiconductor has received orders for GPP bridge rectifiers. Lite-On is a maker of discrete and analog IC components, and the rectifiers it will be producing could be used to support the wireless charging functionality of the next iPhone.

The information was leaked by an industry source. Lite-On was asked to comment if it has indeed received orders for the GPP bridge rectifiers. However, the components company simply said that it is not one to comment on things concerning its customers or the orders it has received.

The news comes amid speculations that Apple is planning to finally launch a smartphone with wireless charging technology. The Cupertino giant was reportedly holding off on this functionality until it could come up with a long-range solution that wouldn’t require the use of charging mats, according to 9To5Mac.

Samsung’s biggest rival does not want its iPhone to come with the type of wireless charging technology that some Android phones are sporting at present. For Apple, this technology is very limiting. While it does provide smartphones with a different means of recharging their batteries, it inhibits users from holding the phone while charging for it needs to be placed on top of a charging mat. Another downside here is the fact that a charging mat still utilizes a wire in order for it to work.

Instead of jumping on the bandwagon, Apple now plans to introduce its own take on wireless charging for smartphones. It is working on a type of technology that facilitates long-range charging. This means devices can refuel their batteries without the use of charging mats. They only need to be within the range of around 20 feet from the charger to rejuvenate their battery life.