Apple patent hints wireless charging between iPhones and MacBooks

A patent filed at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by Apple has devised a way to charge future devices wirelessly between each there. Spotted by AppleInsider, the patent involves a wireless charging coil that will be able to pass current bi-directionally which will eventually be put to use to transfer power from a MacBook/iPad to an iPhone or vice versa.

The patent reveals that the wireless charging feature on these future devices will indeed be possible through “inductive charging between electronic devices”. Apple also detailed what the setup would look like showing schematics of the upcoming technology where an iPhone is kept on top of an iPad. In another sketch, a MacBook is seen housing several induction-charging hotspots within its cabinet. This mean, future Apple devices might all be flaunting wireless charging coils, something which is found only the latest generation of iPhones.

A use-case scenario as such would benefit a user rather than charge a dead iPhone from the scratch, using the idea of stacking devices together to charge through. The schematics don’t explain whether the current would pass if the devices to be charged are placed below the source device.

The patent score brownie points for Apple because charging all your portable devices by plugging in a single MacBook would be a pretty neat picture. The MacBook will then be stacked with other devices to selectively charge your iPhones and iPad. The setup will also work in cases where there’s a single power outlet or if you’re the kind of the person who keeps all their devices in a single frame.

It needs to be noted that while such a technology will benefit the whole ecosystem of Apple products, it’ll be a while for Apple to gets a functional bunch of units to make use of the same since none of their products except for their latest iPhones come with wireless charging coils. Apple will also have to work on a way to make inductive current possible through their MacBooks since all their computing devices are made of metal and metal wouldn’t allow room for wireless charging. It also remains to be seen, if Apple does finally get it to work, would it allow Android smartphone users to take advantage of wireless charging. We’ll wait till we get any closer.