One of 2018’s New iPhones Will Get a Wireless Charging Boost

At least one 2018 iPhone could feature faster and more efficient wireless charging thanks to a new coil.

That charging coil would be a thicker component made out of copper rather than ferrite polymer composite (FPC), according to a new report by The China Times. The publication cites the “trend” of high power and efficiency as the reason for the change.

It’s not clear which iPhone will feature the new copper charging coil, though it’s possible that it could end up in two or all 2018 handsets — or none of them if the rumor doesn’t pan out.

A copper charging coil would have less resistance than an FPC coil, meaning it could allow for higher power transfer and better efficiency. Copper would also offset the heat produced by the bump in power, meaning that new iPhones would be less prone to overheating.

While both FPC and copper feature inductive properties, copper is a purer material than the former which is often a mixture of iron, plastic and other metals.

The limitations of FPC meant that the 2017 iPhone lineup only featured wireless charging that capped out at 7.5W — which isn’t much better than the standard 5W power adapter packaged with iPhones thus far.

But, if the rumor turns out to be true, it could mean that we’ll see much-improved wireless charging speeds.

Some wireless charging mats offer power up to 15W, meaning that the new iPhones could be well-equipped to take advantage of those speeds. Apple’s upcoming AirPower charging mat could also feature a wattage in that range, which could be one reason Apple is looking to upgrade its wireless charging hardware.

>Shop Wireless Chargers for iPhone Here<

Of course, since the copper coils are thicker, it isn’t clear how Apple will fit them into the new iPhones without adding any significant bulk to the devices themselves.

It’s not just wireless charging that’s rumored to see an upgrade in this year’s iPhone lineup. Apple is said to be working on a newly redesigned 18W power adapter that could leverage USB-C Quick Charge for much faster charging speeds.

Apple will likely debut its 2018 iPhone lineup at this year’s annual fall keynote, which iDrop News expects to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]