Not Have to Plug Your iPhone Into a Charger Again

You may not have to plug your iPhone into a charger again

Apple has joined an industry group dedicated to wireless charging, reinforcing existing rumours that the next iPhone will charge without a cord. The Wireless Power Consortium, which is made up of some 200 organizations that promote a single wireless charging standard, confirmed to CNNtech that Apple joined the group last week.

Rumours of the iPhone swirl months before each new version is announced, and the hype about the so-called ‘iPhone 8’ is particularly high: Apple (AAPL) is expected to unveil a major redesign this fall to mark the smartphone’s 10th anniversary.

The company has already shown interest in eliminating cumbersome cords. The Apple Watch charges wirelessly, provided consumers spend $79 on the magnetic charging dock and the latest MacBook now only comes with a USB port.

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Apple will also create another iPhone revenue stream by selling wireless charging stations separately. This feature will simplify charging for smartphone owners. Instead of plugging in someone’s phone, a user will only need to place it on the charging dock.

Apple said in a statement Monday that it is joining the Wireless Power Consortium to contribute its ideas as the development of wireless charging standards increases.

As for the anticipated potential features of the next iPhone, other rumours include the removal of the edge-to-edge display, glass body, and home button.

Many (Washington) First published February 13, 2017: 2:42 PM ET