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Super Contributor
Posts: 1,835
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

iOS 8 'wave charge' hoax hits the internet

Apple users fooled into charging iPhones in microwaves {#emotions_dlg.scared}{#emotions_dlg.blink}



This is the perfect example of 'Don't believe everything you read on the internet'. Trolls at online imageboard 4chan spread a hoax on the internet, saying that the iOS 8 update includes a feature that allows an iPhone's battery to be charged when put in a household microwave.

The claim came in the form of an advertisement that looked quite like an Apple ad, proclaiming that Wave technology "allows your device to be charged wirelessly through microwave frequencies." It also warns users that they should not Wave-charge their devices for more than 300 seconds.

Below is the image spread by 4chan users:



View image on Twitter

Many iPhone owners (including several who had bought iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus over the weekend) fell for the prank, ending up with a smartphone that was burnt and beyond repair.

The hoax was on Twitter with the hashtag #AppleWave.

Here are the reactions of a dozen people who microwaved their iPhones:


View image on Twitter

I tried using the new IOS 8 feature WAVE where you can charge your phone with a microwave, does not work @Apple

{#emotions_dlg.lol}{#emotions_dlg.lol}

Super Contributor
Posts: 253
Registered: ‎01-31-2014

Re: iOS 8 'wave charge' hoax hits the internet

First you have people reefing on and bending the you-know-what out of their phones because some guy on the Internet and now this. Almost enough to feel sorry for Apple. I thought iFans were supposed to be smarter than the rest of us.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,126
Registered: ‎06-20-2010

Re: iOS 8 'wave charge' hoax hits the internet

People are really gullible, I guess.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,179
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: iOS 8 'wave charge' hoax hits the internet

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,604
Registered: ‎06-27-2010

Re: iOS 8 'wave charge' hoax hits the internet

I've been reading some of the articles, haven't found out how many people actually did fall for the hoax ... it certainly illustrates: "Just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it's true."

And it begs the question: Why don't people do actual research before believing what they read online?

{#emotions_dlg.confused1}

Few things reveal your intellect and your generosity of spirit—the parallel powers of your heart and mind—better than how you give feedback.~Maria Popova
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,832
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: iOS 8 'wave charge' hoax hits the internet

People fell for this!?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,604
Registered: ‎06-27-2010

Re: iOS 8 'wave charge' hoax hits the internet

On 9/27/2014 Pqfan said:

People fell for this!? {#emotions_dlg.lol}

It appears some did, not sure if there's a report of how many.

Maybe the same people who get their healthcare advice on the internet ... {#emotions_dlg.unsure}

Few things reveal your intellect and your generosity of spirit—the parallel powers of your heart and mind—better than how you give feedback.~Maria Popova