During today’s über-hyped iPhone announcement, Apple confirmed that the two newest models of its smartphone, the iPhone 8/8 Plus and the iPhone X (pronounced “ten”), will offer wireless charging. It’s the first time the tech giant’s phones have offered the capability, coming long after Android and even Windows Phone platforms have had the technology. So what does that have to do with cars" Well, many auto manufacturers have been integrating Qi wireless charging pads into their vehicle interiors, which mean iPhone users will finally be able to ditch the cord and charge through induction in their rides.
Despite the fact that Apple seemingly is no longer planning on building its own car (for now), instead focusing on developing technologies to supply automakers, the company is well aware of the data-filled future of the automobile, and it has gradually incorporated more vehicle-friendly features into its products. Apple CarPlay is a hit, and just a few months ago, Apple introduced a Do Not Disturb function to help prevent distracted driving. Of course, neither of those mean a thing if a phone is dead (one could also make the point that the least distracting kind of phone is a dead phone). That means easy charging is vital, and up until now, it required a cord and an open USB port. The new iPhone 8/8 Plus and iPhone X change that.
As of right now, Qi (pronounced “chee”) wireless charging technology has been integrated into...