A new patent application reveals that Apple is working on inductive charging for future iDevices
Patently Apple reports that the United States Patent & Trademark Office published a new patent application that shows Apple is working on wireless charging for future iPhones.
In 2013, the company was granted patents which related to charging of iPhones through an NFC chip installed inside the devices. This new patent, meanwhile, relates to inductive power transfer system — something which could be a game changer for the company.
Patently Apple talks about smartphones and other devices, in this age, that require external batteries and battery packs to keep them running for an extended period of time. These devices range from something as simple as mobile phones all the way to medical products. In some instances, you can charge these devices through inductive charging. As per the document, users will need to place their mobile phone, which supports wireless charging, on to an inductive charging space (dock), which will then charge the phone through electromagnetic induction. The already present battery will take power through the inductive surface of the dock. In most instances, there is an electromagnetic coil in the dock which transmits electricity to the receiving coil on the electronic device. The alternating current will then charge the device – or the iDevice in this case.
The inductive charger will have the capability between high power consumption and low power consumption, depending on how much the device has charged. While inductive charging has a drawback that some energy is not properly transferred, the dock and phone alike will have a system which will evenly distribute data.
The website further talks about how an impedance controller can alternate between the levels of electricity moving to the device. The system, along with other sensors, will communicate together to deliver the most efficient way to charge devices. This way, electronics like the iPhone and Apple Watch can charge efficiently.
Apple’s iPhones have been criticized for a long time because the devices don’t support certain features that other smart devices in the market do. One such complaint revolves around the inability of the iPhone to be charged wirelessly. Last year, when the iPhone 6 was about to release, rumor had it that Apple could introduce wireless charging on the phone. Leaks showed an NFC chip on the logic board of the phone, and people assumed that it would be wireless charging. It was eventually revealed that the NFC chip was for Apple Pay. Meanwhile, the world is slowly moving toward wireless charging standards. Stores like IKEA and Starbucks have placed wireless charging pads on their tables, so that customers can charge their phones without the need of a cable.
Apple is expected to launch its latest variants, iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, at its upcoming September 9 event, but it is highly unlikely that the phones will have any wireless charging. However, the feature may appear on iPhone 7, which is expected to release in September 2016. At its September 9 event, Apple is also rumored to release a new Apple TV, a new iPad, and iOS 9. The event is set to take place at the Bill Graham Convention Center in San Francisco.
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