You may never have to plug in your iPhone again.
Apple has joined an industry group dedicated to wireless charging, strengthening existing rumors that the next iPhone will charge without a cable. The Wireless Power Consortium, which is made up of about 200 organizations promoting a single wireless charging standard, confirmed to CNNTech that Apple joined the group last week.
Rumors about the iPhone circulate months before each new version is announced, and the buzz around the so-called “iPhone 8” is particularly high: Apple (AAPL) It is expected to reveal a major redesign this fall to mark the smartphone's 10th anniversary.
The company has already shown interest in eliminating cumbersome cables. The Apple Watch charges wirelessly, as long as consumers spend $79 on a magnetic charging dock. And the latest MacBook now comes with a single USB port.
Related: Apple Stock Nears All-Time High
Apple would also create another revenue stream for the iPhone by selling a wireless charging station separately. The feature would simplify charging for smartphone owners. Instead of plugging in the phone, the user would only need to place it on the charging base.
Apple said in a statement Monday that it would join the Wireless Power Consortium to contribute ideas as wireless charging standards are developed.
As for the speculated possible features of the next iPhone, other rumors include an edge-to-edge display, a glass body, and the removal of the home button.
CNNMoney (Washington) First published February 13, 2017: 2:42 pm ET
