IPhone 7 rumors: Patent teases device will have wireless charging

(Apple)iPhone 6s

Even though the iPhone 6s and its phablet-sized sibling, the 6s Plus, were unveiled only last month, attention is already turning to next year's iPhone 7. A recent patent application filed by Apple has revealed that the upcoming handset could have wireless charging but without any of the hardware that other smartphones use for the feature. 

The news about the patent application came through Apple Insider, which stated that Apple was looking for ways to introduce inductive charging to its mobile devices. Since Apple's mobile devices are centered on the iPhone, it is almost certain that if the technology in the patent is put into production, then the smartphone lineup will be the first to receive it. Also, other smartphones including those in Samsung's Galaxy lineup already support quick charging and wireless charging and this could be one reason why Apple is considering the option. 

Wireless charging, also known as inductive charging, requires a coil in the hardware to receive the charge, which is then transmitted to the phone battery. However, the patent from Apple is unique in that it explores the possibility of using the existing hardware such as speakers, the haptic engine and even microphones and passing the charge through their coils. 

Even though the idea of using existing hardware to charge is unique, the existence of a patent does not mean that Apple will actually include the feature in the iPhone 7.

As for other rumors about next year's device, they point toward it possibly having an A10 processor with six cores, Touch ID being integrated into the display, and even a body not made from metal but instead featuring Liquidmetal. 

MacWorld, rounding up the rumors about the iPhone 7, even states that it could have a redesigned and slimmer headphone plug. Given that this year's iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are able to survive underwater for a few minutes, there are also rumors that Apple could be testing its waterproof abilities with the current design and next year's devices could be waterproof with an IP67 or IP68 rating. 

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