14 DAY TRIAL // A patent application discovered this week provides us with an early glimpse into how Apple imagines wireless charging evolving on its family of products, with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks possibly getting capabilities to charge its other without the need for cables.
The patent describes a technology called “Inductive charging between electronic devices,” and it details how products like iPads and MacBook could be equipped with induction coils that would power wireless charging.
Technically, with such a technology, it would be possible to recharge an iPhone by simply putting it on an iPad or MacBook, with these two devices acting as charging mats.
MacBooks doubling as charging mats
In one scenario, Apple explains that a MacBook can feature several charging points across its surface, enabling charging for multiple devices at the same time. This means the MacBooks could easily convert to an AirPower, though it goes without saying that the laptop itself would become useless with so many devices attached to it.
“An electronic device and methods for inductively charging an electronic device using another external electronic device. The electronic device may include an enclosure, a battery positioned within the enclosure, and an inductive coil coupled to the battery,” the abstract section of the patent explains.
“The inductive coil may have two or more operational modes, including a power receiving operational mode for wirelessly receiving power and a power transmitting operational mode for wirelessly transmitting power. The electronic device may also have a controller coupled to the inductive coil for selecting one of the operational modes.”
Apple was late to the wireless charging market, with the iPhone X and iPhone 8 introducing such capabilities in 2017, several years after its Android rivals. The company, however, is believed to be looking into several ways to improve wireless charging, including a system that would work across the room, enabling the process without the need for cables.
But as with everything still in patent stage, this is just an idea that’s far from mass production, but on the other hand, it does provide us with a glimpse into Apple’s innovation plan on the long term.