Because, hey, wireless charging is pretty darn cool.
The current batch of rumors regarding Apple’s next-gen iPhone/the iPhone 7 includes a wireless charging feature as well as a thinner, waterproof body and no headphone jack.
The rumor hails from within Apple’s supply chain and an anonymous source has stated that the iPhone 7 will not include a headphone jack in an effort to make the device even thinner than the iPhone 6s. The device will also “very likely” be waterproof and support some form of wireless charging.
Apple is said to be working with Cirrus Logic to adapt the audio chipset in the iPhone to work with the Lightning port. With no 3.5mm headphone jack, the Lightning port, which is currently used for charging, will also be used to transmit sound to wired headphones. The chipset may also include new noise-canceling technology to remove background noise during music playback and phone calls.
The source has also stated that Apple may not ship Lightning-connected EarPods alongside the iPhone 7, instead opting to sell noise-canceling Lightning-connected headphones separately under its Beats brand. It is not clear if that means the iPhone 7 will come with no EarPods or if Apple will ship standard EarPods with some kind of adapter.
Apple’s iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are expected to be released in September of 2016. Along with the above-mentioned rumored features, the device will also include an upgraded A-series processor and it could include features like an improved camera. Other rumors specific to the iPhone 7 Plus have suggested it could include a 256GB storage option, a 3,100 mAh battery, and 3GB RAM.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via MacRumors and Fast Company