With the number of global smartphone users growing by 42% every year, the demand for wireless charging has reached an all time high, according to a recent story from Automotive News. CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, made many announcements on Sept. 9 when he spoke about the company’s newest smartphone models and features. But to the dismay of the Apple consumer, he did not discuss any plans for upgrading the iPhone to enable wireless charging.
This is especially important news for automakers like Toyota, General Motors, and Audi, who are all in the process of installing wireless charging pads in their cars for compatible smartphones. John McLaughlin, national manager of cross-car-line planning at Toyota, said that without the green light from Apple that the iPhone will be compatible with these kinds of chargers, the project is a “crapshoot.”
Wireless charging is already available in certain Toyota models, like the Avalon, and also in GM’s SUV’s, like the GMC Yukon.
McLaughlin added, “It’s a technology waiting to explode in popularity, but it needs standards. If Apple decides to do its own thing, what does that mean for us?”
USA Today also reported on the lack of announcement from Apple, drawing attention to other companies that are hoping to get on top in the wireless charging market.
These companies include Energous, a San Jose startup company that is working on creating wireless charging system WattUp. It would be able to charge a device up to 15 feet away by using radio frequencies and Bluetooth signals. They hope to have WattUp available to the public by some time next year.
Another wireless charging hopeful, uBeam, is trying to make a charging station that is almost invisible and would look like an extremely thin ceiling tile. uBeam’s startup has raised $23.2 million from people like Marissa Mayer, Mark Cuban, and Ari Emanuel. The company’s founder, Meredith Perry, is working secretly but ceaselessly on technology that will eliminate the need for wires.
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