Wireless charging is finally coming to the iPhone. Apple’s new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X models all support this feature. Here, we’ll go over everything you need to know about iPhone 8 and iPhone X wireless charging.
More importantly, Apple isn’t using any new technology to do this. Instead, the company included the readily available and widely adopted “Qi” wireless charging standard. This means your new iPhone will work instantly with thousands of supported accessories and chargers on the market.
The glass back design gives new iPhones this option. Allowing them to charge by placing the device on a Qi wireless charging mat. Additionally, Apple has its own AirPower charging mat, which will be out in 2018. Here’s more information on how it works and where you’ll actually need cables to charge your iPhone 8.
Apple’s new iPhone lineup is one of the best ever. From the new edge-to-edge display to the Augmented Reality camera and more. However, one of the most exciting new features is wireless charging. It’s something fans have been asking for years.
Wireless charging is nothing new and has been a popular feature on Samsung Galaxy devices for the past few years. However, a few years ago it was incredibly slow and more of a novelty than anything else. This is no longer the case though. As a result, what was once useful and new is now something many people should consider.
iPhone 8 Wireless Charging: What You Need to Know
First off, there are several different types of wireless charging. If you buy the wrong charging pad or your new car doesn’t support the correct type, it will not work on Apple’s new phones. The two most popular are Qi Wireless Charging and PMA Wireless Charging Standard.
The bigger of the two is the Qi wireless charging (pronounced “chee”) that Apple’s new iPhones use.
The advantage here is that most smartphones from Samsung and others also use Qi charging. As a result, you can find Qi wireless chargers at the airport, hotels, Starbucks, and countless 3rd party accessory manufacturers. As far as we understand, these will all work with the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Any Qi-certified accessory will work on new iPhones. In addition, many automakers’ Qi wireless charging is also integrated into vehicles.
How does it work
Simply plug the Qi charging mat into a wall socket and leave your phone on the mat. A coil inside the mat and a coil inside the iPhone talk to each other and charging starts instantly. It is safe, effective and relatively fast. If your iPhone gets too hot, the charging coils will slow down to a safe level as you continue to charge your phone.
You don’t need to attach anything to the iPhone, just drop it on the mat and go. It’s not completely wireless, but it’s close.
Drop it on the wireless charging pad and it will charge, then pick it up and enjoy a fully charged battery. It’s that simple.
Apple Fast Wireless Charger
Wireless charging used to be slow, taking around 3-4 hours to fully charge a device. Something much slower than using the wall plug and lightning cable out of the box. This is because wireless chargers only work with 7 watts of power.
While we don’t have all the details yet, it seems that every iPhone also supports Fast Wireless Charging. Basically wireless charging pads with a power output of 10 or even 15 watts. Matching speeds previously only available from Samsung. In fact, Apple’s own AirPower charger is a fast wireless charger. Not to mention the ability to charge your iPhone X, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously.
Apple’s new AirPower Wireless Charging Pad
According to Apple’s statements, “All products with Qi certification support the iPhone.” This suggests that anything from slower 7-watt chargers to the fastest 15-watt options will work. However, there are chargers from partners like Mophie and Belkin that are sold on Apple.com, but they only offer 7 watts of output power, so they will provide the slowest wireless charging available. We’ll update this article when we learn more.
Either way, one of the most requested iPhone features is finally available on the iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Find a Qi-certified wireless charger and be ready when your new phone arrives.
