In recent years, wireless charging has become a buzzword in the tech industry. The idea of simply placing your phone on a pad or surface to recharge its battery has captured the imagination of many. But can you charge iPhone 7 Plus wirelessly? Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding no. But don’t worry, we’ll explore the reasons behind this limitation and look at the alternatives available to you.
The Evolution of Wireless Charging
Wireless charging, also known as inductive charging, has been around for over a century. The technology uses electromagnetic fields to transfer energy between a transmitter and a receiver. In the context of smartphones, the transmitter is typically a charging pad or surface, while the receiver is a built-in coil in the phone.
In recent years, wireless charging has gained popularity, especially with the launch of Qi-enabled devices. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is a widely adopted standard for wireless charging, and many smartphones, including Samsung and Google devices, support it.
(Lack of) Wireless Charging on iPhone 7 Plus
So, why doesn’t the iPhone 7 Plus support wireless charging? The answer lies in Apple’s design philosophy and technology choices. When the iPhone 7 Plus was released in 2016, wireless charging wasn’t as prevalent as it is today.
At the time, Apple focused on water and dust resistance, improved cameras, and a sleeker design. Wireless charging was not a priority, and the company instead opted for its traditional Lightning connector.
Why Wireless Charging Matters
So, why is wireless charging such a big deal? There are several reasons why it’s a convenient and appealing feature:
Convenience
Wireless charging eliminates the need for tangled cords and lost charging cables. Simply place your phone on a charging pad, and you’re good to go.
Safety
With wireless charging, there’s less risk of electrical shock or fire hazards caused by damaged or frayed cables.
Ease of Use
Wireless charging is often faster and more efficient than traditional wired charging. You can simply place your phone on a charging pad and forget about it.
Alternatives to Wireless Charging for iPhone 7 Plus
While the iPhone 7 Plus doesn’t support wireless charging natively, there are some workarounds and alternatives available:
Wireless Charging Cases
Several manufacturers offer wireless charging cases specifically designed for the iPhone 7 Plus. These cases contain a built-in Qi receiver that enables wireless charging.
Some popular options include:
- Mophie Juice Pack Wireless
- Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Case
- Spigen Wireless Charging Case
Lightning to Qi Adapters
Another option is to use a Lightning to Qi adapter, which connects to your iPhone 7 Plus’s Lightning port and enables wireless charging.
Some popular options include:
- Belkin Lightning to Qi Adapter
- Incipio Dual USB-C and Lightning to Qi Adapter
- Anker Lightning to Qi Adapter
iPhone 8 and Later: Wireless Charging Finally Arrives
Starting with the iPhone 8, Apple finally adopted wireless charging as a native feature. The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and later models support Qi-compatible charging pads, making it easy to charge your device wirelessly.
Fast Wireless Charging
The iPhone 12 series takes wireless charging to the next level with fast wireless charging, which can charge your device up to 15W. This is significantly faster than the standard 5W wireless charging speed.
Conclusion
While the iPhone 7 Plus doesn’t support wireless charging natively, there are alternatives available, such as wireless charging cases and Lightning to Qi adapters. However, if you’re looking for a seamless wireless charging experience, it’s worth considering upgrading to an iPhone 8 or later model.
As wireless charging technology continues to evolve and improve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative solutions emerge. For now, it’s clear that wireless charging is here to stay, and it’s changing the way we think about charging our devices.
Does iPhone 7 Plus Support Wireless Charging?
iPhone 7 Plus does not natively support wireless charging. Apple did not include wireless charging capabilities in the iPhone 7 Plus when it was released. However, there are some workarounds and accessories that can enable wireless charging on the iPhone 7 Plus.
One such solution is to use a wireless charging receiver case or a wireless charging adapter that can be attached to the iPhone 7 Plus. These accessories can enable wireless charging on the iPhone 7 Plus, but they may not be as seamless or efficient as native wireless charging.
How Does Wireless Charging Work on iPhone 7 Plus?
Wireless charging works on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where an electromagnetic field is used to transfer energy between two devices. In the case of wireless charging on iPhone 7 Plus, a wireless charging receiver is attached to the iPhone, which can receive energy from a wireless charging pad or dock.
When the iPhone 7 Plus is placed on a wireless charging pad, the receiver in the iPhone 7 Plus absorbs the energy and converts it into an electrical current, which is then used to charge the iPhone’s battery. This process is usually slower than traditional wired charging, but it can be convenient and eliminate the need for cables.
Is Wireless Charging Safe for iPhone 7 Plus?
Wireless charging is generally considered safe for iPhone 7 Plus, as long as you use a high-quality wireless charging receiver or adapter that is compatible with your iPhone. The receiver or adapter is designed to absorb and convert the electromagnetic energy into an electrical current, which is then used to charge the iPhone’s battery.
However, it’s essential to follow proper safety precautions when using wireless charging. Make sure to use a wireless charging pad or dock that is certified by a reputable organization, such as the Qi wireless charging standard. Also, avoid overheating, as it can reduce the lifespan of your iPhone’s battery.
How Long Does it Take to Wirelessly Charge iPhone 7 Plus?
The time it takes to wirelessly charge an iPhone 7 Plus depends on several factors, including the type of wireless charging receiver or adapter used, the capacity of the wireless charging pad or dock, and the remaining battery life of the iPhone. Generally, wireless charging can take longer than traditional wired charging.
On average, it can take around 2-3 hours to fully charge an iPhone 7 Plus using a wireless charging pad or dock that supports 5W charging. If you’re using a fast wireless charging pad that supports 7.5W or 10W charging, the charging time can be reduced to around 1-2 hours.
Can I Use Any Wireless Charging Pad with iPhone 7 Plus?
Not all wireless charging pads or docks are compatible with iPhone 7 Plus. Since iPhone 7 Plus does not natively support wireless charging, you’ll need to use a wireless charging receiver or adapter that is specifically designed for iPhone 7 Plus.
Make sure to choose a wireless charging pad or dock that is compatible with the receiver or adapter you’re using. Also, look for pads or docks that support the same wireless charging standard, such as Qi, to ensure seamless compatibility.
Will Wireless Charging Damage My iPhone 7 Plus Battery?
Wireless charging itself does not damage your iPhone 7 Plus battery. However, the quality of the wireless charging receiver or adapter and the wireless charging pad or dock can affect the charging process and potentially reduce the lifespan of your iPhone’s battery.
To minimize the risk of battery damage, use a high-quality wireless charging receiver or adapter that is designed for your iPhone 7 Plus, and choose a wireless charging pad or dock that is certified by a reputable organization.
Is Wireless Charging Worth it for iPhone 7 Plus?
Whether wireless charging is worth it for iPhone 7 Plus depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you value the convenience of wireless charging and don’t mind the slightly slower charging speeds, then it may be a worthwhile investment.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution or prefer the faster charging speeds of traditional wired charging, then wireless charging may not be the best option for you.