Wireless charging could be part of the iPhone 8's feature when it launches in 2017. But whether the feature would be part of Apple's 10th-anniversary range or not would depend on Foxconn Technology.
According to the Nikkei Asia Review, an industry source familiar with the matter said that Foxconn is making wireless charging modules for the iPhone 8. But for the feature to be added, it would depend "on whether Foxconn can boost the yield rate to a satisfactory level later on," the source said.
The yield rate is the measure of the number of satisfactory units in the production of a batch of components. If the yield rate of a component is low, it means it's production is not profitable enough, which could put the component at risk of being left out of the final product.
Foxconn is making modules that will be part of the iPhone 8, the source added. But it is still unclear whether the modules will be incorporated in all of the iPhone 8 to be released in 2017.
The wireless technology is part of Apple's ongoing efforts to overhaul the design of its iPhone. Apple is hoping wireless charging for the iPhone 8 would boost the sales of its 10th anniversary of its iconic device that has transformed communications and the mobile internet since its release.
The company has suffered its first annual revenue decline since 2001 in the fiscal year that ended in September. The decline is due to an already saturated smartphone market and the low demand for the iPhone 7 because of the lack of innovative features.
9to5mac reports that earlier this year, Apple was said to be developing "long range" wireless charging technology for iOS devices. At that time, Apple said they were working with a handful of partners in both the U.S.and Asia.
The new technology would allow iPhone devices to be powered even further away. More than the current distance that charging mat and inductive solutions would allow.
This isn't the first time wireless charging has been rumored to be part of the iPhone 8. KGI first reported the inclusion of its capability earlier this year.
