Apple looks to have inter-device wireless charging in the future. Filed at the United States Patent & Trademark Office (SPTO) website, the patent titled “Inductive charging between electronic devices” looks to incorporate two-way wireless charging.
The patent calls for induction coils to be installed in such a way that it can be used both to receive and transmit power. Current wireless charging solutions only go from charger to device, which relies on the wall socket or supported power banks to supply power.
With this patent, theoretically, any device can charge any other device. Scenarios that this can work includes topping up the iPhone battery from a MacBook while on the go or charging the Apple Watch using the iPad instead of the charging dock. There are also allowances in the patent to fit multiple coils in a larger device to charge multiple devices at once.
Of course, this patent may not be realised as a working product. However, if it becomes a mass market product, this may signal the start of single-cable charging on the go. Users now just need to bring a single cable for a larger device, and it can become the charger for smaller devices in the ecosystem.
(Source: USPTO via AppleInsider)
