Fake iOS Ad Claims Microwaves Can Recharge iPhones

A spoof advert circulating on Twitter has claimed that Apple’s latest mobile software allows devices to be recharged in a microwave oven.

The ad, modeled after Apple’s own publicity, falsely claims that iOS 8, launched last week, activates a feature called ‘Wave’, which “can be used to quickly charge your device’s battery using any standard household microwave”.

‘New drivers’

“Wave will become automatically activated when you update iOS 8,” the ad claims. “iOS 8 contains new drivers that interface with your device’s radio baseband allowing it to synchronise with microwave frequencies and use them to recharge your battery.”

However, the ad cautions users not to “Wave-charge for over 300 seconds”.

Industry observers spotted the ad as an obvious hoax and urged users not to try its recommendations.

In response, at least one Twitter user circulated a fake photo that appeared to show an iPhone destroyed in a household microwave.

“I tried using the new IOS 8 feature WAVE where you can charge your phone with a microwave, does not work,” the user wrote.

iPhone 6 launch

The spoof follows the launch of the iPhone 6, which went on sale in the UK on Friday. Previous iPhone launch hoaxes have included one claiming the device was waterproof.

iOS 8 includes new features including photo-editing tools, camera modifications and improved predictive typing.

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