Apple’s Entire 2017 iPhone Lineup to Feature Wireless Charging: KGI

KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, is known for accurately predicting features of Apple’s product roadmap, most likely due to his supply chain connections. His latest report, obtained by MacRumors, states all three iPhone models (iPhone 8/X; iPhone 7s/7s Plus) set to debut in 2017 will feature wireless charging.

iPhone 8 concept by Handy-Abovergleich

The analyst expects the iPhone 8 will come with an “additional graphite sheet lamination” in its new 3D Touch module, to help prevent overheating from wireless charging:

While we don’t expect general users to notice any difference, lamination of an additional graphite sheet is needed for better thermal control and, thus, steady operation; this is because FPCB is replaced with film, which is more sensitive to temperature change of the 3D touch sensor in OLED iPhone.

There’s no word whether Apple’s wireless charging plans would be similar to Apple Watch and its inductive solution, or a long-range charging solution.

Earlier speculation last month suggested Apple may use an in-house inductive wireless charging solution, while another report claimed a wireless charging component could come from Taiwan company Lite-On Semi.

Last fall, one report claimed Foxconn was testing iPhone 8 wireless charging, while a previous Ming-Chi Kuo report also noted wireless charging could be coming, based on the move to an all-glass back casing. The analyst has also previously stated wireless chargers may not be bundled with every iPhone, except for newer high-end models.

The inclusion of this new component, if true, could most likely impact prices for the new iPhone. Yesterday, sources told Fast Company the next 5.8-inch iPhone 8/X could debut upwards of $1,000 USD, meaning starting prices in Canada could be at a whopping $1,400 CAD or so.

Who’s ready for wireless charging in their next iPhone?