Apple wireless charging looks more like a reality now, and will change how you interact with your phone
Apple’s move to join the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) means that your office is about to say goodbye to a lot more wires. As reported by 9to5mac, Apple, which will be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the revolutionary iPhone this year, is now set to bring wireless charging to the masses with this move.
The Wireless Power Consortium is responsible for the development of Qi, an open wireless charging standard. Apple has been a notable exception from the WPC until now, despite involvement from its largest smartphone rival Samsung and other leading technology companies like Dell, Lenovo and Nokia.
The decision to join has strengthened increasing rumours that the successor to the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will feature wireless charging. Given Apple’s 40% US smartphone market share, this will significantly change how we interact with our phones.
One Unified Standard : Apple’s move to join the Wireless Power Consortium solidifies the WPC as the industry standard for wireless charging moving forward.
It’s a big win for those that have been putting pressure on the iPhone maker to include wireless charging in their latest release. Vicky Yussuff, an analyst and market watcher with IHS Technology notes that 9 out of 10 want wireless charging on their next phone, adding that it was no longer something Apple could ignore.
What Does This Mean For Your Office?
Forward thinking companies, like Oracle have already adopted ChargeSpot wireless charging. (Pictured: Oracles Santa Clara Office, Photographer: Jasper Sinadad
Apple’s buy-in is proof that wireless charging is here to stay. With a single way forward for users to charge their mobile devices, we now have a viable alternative to USB charging. For the workplace designer and office manager, this is fantastic news.
Wireless charging allows for more flexibility in workplace design, as unobtrusive charging locations can now be built into more furniture and equipment around the workplace. Leaders and early adopters in the workplace like Google, Oracle and McKinsey & Co. have already adopted Qi wireless charging throughout their offices with solutions like ChargeSpot. These companies now have a headstart in the wireless charging movement and are poised to capture the early benefits of wireless charging.
The Apple Effect
Finally Apple getting behind Qi means we’re going to experience “The Apple Effect”. Once the brand gets behind a new technology we can count on widespread adoption of it.
More flexibility and cross-compatibility in charging will become available as other spaces such as airports, restaurants and hotels will begin to implement wireless charging. This will simplify our lives and eliminate the hassle and need to carry charging cables everywhere. No longer will you have to search for a cord, let alone an outlet.
Leaving your house with a battery at 10% wouldn’t be the stressor that it is today. Qi charging pods would be widespread and allow you to charge your device by placing your phone over them.
You’d be able to place your phone down on your desk at work, without any type of special case, and have it charge. Likewise you could charge it at the boardroom table, or even at your local cafe during lunch with a friend. And when you get home simply place your phone down on your night stand to charge it for the next day.
Apple started this shift to wireless last year with their AirPods and as they continue to lead the charge, we’ll likely see wireless charging infrastructure ramp up into 2018, until the scenario above is commonplace.
Want Wireless Charging Now?
Wireless charging for existing iPhones through ChargeSpot
Mophie’s recently released juice pack air already features Qi charging for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. If you want to get a feel of what the tech would enable, then check out the case. Cheaper options are also available from Ikea, which sells a wireless charging nightstand and charging pads as well. For commercial offerings ChargeSpot utilizes Qi charging that works with existing iPhone lines using a Spark adapter that simply plugs into the phone.
As we await the September launch of the new iPhone, it seems fitting that on it’s 10 year anniversary, the device that once revolutionized mobility in the workplace is set to do so again.
featured image: iPhone 8 concept image by Veniamin Geskin
