It has been confirmed that the iPhones of 2019 will feature two-way wireless charging. The concept will allow the iPhone to charge other Apple devices, including AirPods. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo confirmed the initiative in a report out to investors on Monday.
The feature was briefly spoken about in February and received more attention in Apple’s last report. Kuo spoke about suppliers who are likely to benefit from two-way wireless charging. Otherwise known as bilateral charging, the two-way wireless charging will allow the QI-based iPhones charge another iPhone or AirPods with a wireless charging case.
The feature will allow you to charge just about any QI-based device with your iPhone, as the phone will work as a wireless charger itself.
Kuo said in the report: “We expect the new 2019 iPhone models will support two-way wireless charging. Though the iPhone is not the first high-end smartphone to be equipped with two-way wireless charging, this new function could make it more convenient for users to charge the new AirPods and create a better integrated user experience of the iPhone and AirPods.”
Supplier boost, and battery boost
Admittedly, Apple may be a little late to the game here. Samsung announced a similar feature earlier this year. The concept debuted with 2019 Galaxy smartphones and has been dubbed Wireless PowerShare by Apple’s rival. PowerShare allows the latest Galaxy smartphones to charge other QI-based accessories, including the iPhone.
Compeq are likely to be the supplier of battery boards while STMicro will supply the two-way wireless charging controller. Both companies set to benefit from Apple’s inclusion of two-way wireless charging as the average selling price of key components will be increased.
In addition to the introduction of two-way wireless charging, Kuo believes that battery boards included in new iPhones will increase in size, alongside battery capacity. Battery capacities for the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max successor could increase by as much as 15%, while the battery capacity of the 5.8-inch OLED iPhone XS successor could be boosted by up to 25%. However, the successor of the iPhone XR is likely to remain the same.
