How to Get Wireless Charging on your iPhone

The Apple iPhone is one of the most iconic ranges of devices in the history of smartphones. Arguably starting the concept of all screen, no button, touch-enabled smartphone back in 2007, it has been an uphill climb year on year for the iPhone. Boasting well-crafted designs, smooth operating system and a huge monopoly in the app selection, it’s no wonder why Apple holds a significant chunk in the smartphone market.

Throughout its history, the iPhone has never usually been at the forefront of the adoption of new technology. Be it things like wireless charging, ultra-high resolution displays, waterproofing and more. What Apple is renowned for doing, is getting things just right. Sure, we might not have seen many revolutionary features come first to the iPhone, but when they did come, the implementation was bang on. Apple deserves praise for their way of doing things.

This year, they surprised the customers by releasing not one range, but two ranges of iPhones. The iPhone 8 and the iPhone X. Among several of the new niceties, faster processor, better cameras, glass bodies, one thing caught the attention of several people. Customers have been clamoring for Apple to include wireless charging. It has been several years since various Android offerings have had it, and about time Apple did something about it. Well, you got it, all the new iPhones come with wireless charging on the Qi standard.

Now, the dilemma arises, there are quite a few people who have bought an iPhone just a few months ago, or their contract is not yet over, and they can’t upgrade just yet. Well, you shouldn’t feel left out of the party, here’s where we come in. No need to spend hundreds of dollars on the brand spanking new model just for iPhone wireless charging. Let’s find out how you can get iPhone wireless charging.

How does Wireless Charging Work?

Wireless charging, or as the scientific term, inductive charging uses an electromagnetic field for transferring energy between two objects (in this case, the charger and the phone’s battery). It uses the concept of electromagnetic induction. The energy is transferred through an inductive coupling to an electrical device, which then charges the phone.

The technology has been around for ages now, and practical implementation started in the 1990s.

Looking at the common wireless charging standards available, we have –

1. Qi Wireless Charging

Qi Wireless Charging is the most popular inductive charging interface, being used by mobile manufacturers including Apple, Asus, Samsung, HTC, Nokia, Motorola and more. The standard was devised by the Wireless Power Consortium and as of now, there are more than 140 devices on the market using the Qi standard.

The Nokia Lumia 920 was the first Qi-enabled device, back in 2012, and in 2017, Apple has decided to go with the same Qi standard for their iPhones.

2. PMA Wireless Charging

PMA Wireless Charging is a relatively new inductive charging interface. The standard was devised by the Power Matters Alliance (PMA). Some device manufacturers like Samsung have built-in dual mode charging on their phones, which include both PMA and Qi compatibility.

Overall, PMA does not have a wide compatibility that Qi offers, although being based on the same theoretical concept.

Wireless Charging: On the iPhone

Apple announced that the new iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the upcoming iPhone X features inductive wireless charging over the Qi wireless charging protocol. It was made possible by the new glass-backed design on the new iPhones.

Along with the phones, the new Apple Watch and AirPods also come with wireless charging compatibility.

Apple has branded its wireless charging setup as AirPower, and it has also announced a wireless charging pad, capable of charging an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously. The new iPhones are capable of fast wireless charging at up to 7.5W power delivery. They also support fast charging over Lightning Port at up to 29W.

iPhone wireless Charging is not only hassle-free and convenient but with the rapid increase in public wireless charging stations, like in coffee shops, train seats and more, it’s one bandwagon that you really should jump on. Refueling on the go has never been easier. No wires, no need to plug in, no chance of snagging the wire and breaking your phone.

Getting Wireless Charging on the Old iPhones

All right, enough talk about the technology, this is the part we know everyone is waiting for. How do you get the new jazzy tech on your old iPhone?

Primarily, there are just 2 things needed for you to jump on the bandwagon.

• A wireless charging receiver or a wireless charging case
• A Qi compatible wireless charger

Additionally, we would like to recommend that you go for products having good feedback and reviews, even if they are slightly costlier than the competition. In matters of chargers and electricity, every bit of caution should be taken.

Look for chargers and pads which are certified by the Wireless Power Consortium or come from a trusted brand.

#1. Wireless Charging Receiver

Adding a wireless charging receiver is the most affordable approach to get wireless charging on any of your older iPhones.

These are basically charging plate patches, which connect through your iPhone’s lightning port. Then, you can stick the patch on the back of your phone, and add a case for aesthetics.

These patches cost between Rs 1000 to Rs 2500 in India, and around USD 10 to USD 15 internationally. While these get the job done, it’s not the most pleasing to look at. Another con is that every time you need to connect your iPhone to the PC, you need to unplug the receiver first.

There are multiple models and variants available in different shapes and sizes, ranging from iPhone 5/5S up to iPhone 7.

Here are some of the products that we recommend.

1. Nillkin Magic Tag for iPhone
2. Smart Electronics Solution Qi Gold
3. Bezalel i6 Qi Wireless Patch
4. Vilight Wireless Qi Inductive Patch Card

Wireless Charging Case

One of the more practical approaches is to acquire a wireless charging case. Most of us rock some sort of case or cover on our phones, be it for looks or for protection. Why not get the benefit of being able to charge your phone wirelessly in the same package?

These cases, simply put are standard cases or covers with an inbuilt charging pad inside their body. As such, they do not compromise on the look and feel of your iPhone, while still rocking the same great technology. Some of them even double up as battery cases plus wireless charging cases for twice the value.

These cases and covers are available in a variety of designs, including slim and trendy designs as well as rugged butch avatars. They cost anywhere between Rs 1500 to Rs 4000 in India, and around USD 10 to USD 50 internationally.

There are multiple models available to suit your needs, ranging from the smaller iPhone 5, iPhone 5S and iPhone SE to the newer iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone 7.

Here are some of the products that we recommend.

1. Anker KARAPAX Military Grade Qi Case
2. Mophie JuicePack Wireless
3. Nillkin Magic Case with Qi Charging
4. Anker Shield+ Heavy Duty Qi Charging Case

Qi Compatible Wireless Charger

So now you have acquired the required accessories to make your iPhone 2017 ready. The only piece of the puzzle left is the charger itself. A Qi compatible wireless charger is required for charging the iPhone wirelessly, alongside the wireless charging pad or case we’ve already talked about.

The Wireless Charger is the heart of the technology. It includes the inductive couplings, which transmit the energy via electromagnetic induction over to the induction pad on your iPhone. Then, the charge is used to juice up your iPhone via the lightning port.

Since wireless charging has been around for quite some time in the Android world, the prices of Qi compatible chargers have gone down considerably. You can snag a high quality branded charger for as little as Rs 1500 to Rs 3000 in India, and around USD 15 to USD 40 internationally.

Here are some of the products that we recommend.

1. Mophie Charge Force Qi Enabled Wireless Charging Base
2. Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad (Apple Certified)
3. Anker Wireless Charger for iPhone
4. CHOETECH T511 Qi Certified Wireless Charger

Conclusion – How to Get iPhone Wireless Charging on your Current iPhone

We had a comprehensive look at the concept of iPhone wireless charging and how to get it on your iPhone today. New technology as it might be, its one that you can adopt today, right now, no downsides involved, no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a new iPhone.

According to the Wireless Power Consortium, Wireless Charging has not only spread to thousands of devices, peripherals and adapters, but also in thousands of areas, public places. The convenience factor is high in this one, and it’s no wonder that Apple decided to jump on the wireless charging ship this year.

With such flexibility and varied usage, just coupling your current iPhone with a simple case and charger, starting at just USD 20 to 40 for the package, it is easy to see why the world is going gaga over this new technology. It’s so simple, that once you go wireless, you’ll never look back.