A report in Nikkei Asian Review claims that Foxconn, which handles much of the iPhone manufacturing for Apple, has started
making wireless charging modules for the 10th anniversary edition of the phone due out next year.
The camera,
Qi wireless charging module, battery, the Apple A11 Bionic chip, and other smaller components all add to the total manufacturing cost.
The OLED display isn't the only reason behind iPhone 8's delay, recent reports have revealed that Apple is facing issues
with wireless charging modules, which cause the device to overheat.
Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn is
making wireless charging modules to go with the iPhone's 10th anniversary, which is planned to be released in 2017, according to Nikkei.
Last fall, Foxconn, which handles a lot of the iPhone manufacturing on behalf of Apple, was rumored to be working on
wireless charging modules for the next Apple phone.
Previous reports suggested that the company would be making use of long - range charging technology from Energous, with Foxconn supplying
the wireless charging modules.
A number of data points suggest that this feature is inbound, from the reports that the aluminum back on the iPhone is being swapped out for a glass back (wireless charging doesn't play well with a metal case), that Foxconn has the contract of making
the wireless charging modules, and Apple's joining of the Wireless Power Consortium.
Among the other new features in iPhone 8 could also be
the wireless charging module, new camera for better photos, TouchID sensor underneath the display, and virtual Home Button.
A component we haven't seen in an iPhone before — almost certainly
a wireless charging module — surfaced recently on a Chinese social network.
The latest news suggests that
the wireless charging module of Mi 7 will adopt has been on trial production.
In addition to getting
the wireless charging module from IDC, Xiaomi is planning to use the American company's range of RF products as well, which means that the wireless antennae may just be fully compatible with US wireless bands.
The company revealed that it will be tapping US tech firm Integrated Device Technology for
the wireless charging module.
Murata won't be selling a commercial version direct, instead looking to provide the tech to third - parties such as case manufacturers; they expect
the wireless charging module to be priced at 1,000 yen ($ 12) when bought in 100,000 unit quantities.
We've heard it several times already that Apple may be planning to add
a wireless charging module to the iPhone 2017.
The report also notes that Apple suppliers are working to resolve overheating issues in
the wireless charging modules, which may be another cause of delays.
The picture does seem to corroborate details from the recently leaked schematics, which showed
a wireless charging module on the back of the iPhone 8, but no Touch ID.
Also interesting is
the wireless charging module, seen in pink under battery pack B in the image above.