Wireless charging is convenient, but power over distance remains a challenge

Wireless power is ubiquitous now. We use it to charge devices like electric toothbrushes, smartwatches, and earbuds, but most of us use it to charge our smartphones. What we’re talking about here is near field induction charging, and there are a few reasons it has finally taken off for phones in the last few years.

One of them is the victory of the Wireless Power Consortium with the Qi wireless charging platform, after a lengthy standards battle. The technology has also improved enormously – the first wireless charging mats delivered just 2.5 watts, whereas the latest spec allows for up to 15 watts. Then there’s the fact that Apple finally adopted Qi wireless charging in the iPhone range, joining Android manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and LG who have been supporting it for years.