Apple has stubbornly stuck to cords in the past, but a newly won patent teases the possibility of wireless charging system that will power up everything from iPhones to iMacs. December 3, 2013 6:29 AM PST (Credit: Apple) Apple won several patents on Tuesday, including one that covers wireless charging. Apple's patent win with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) describes a method by which consumers can power up everything from desktops to mobile devices with a wireless charger. Related stories Imagine your face as your future iPhone password iOS users outshop Android counterparts on Cyber Monday Apple buys Topsy, could integrate it into iTunes Radio -- report The patent, which was reported on earlier by Patently Apple, includes a diagram showing an iMac, along with an iPod, keyboard, and Apple Magic Mouse, being charged on a "virtual charging area." According to the patent, the technology uses a near-field magnetic resonance power supply that communicates with the charging area and charges the device. Wireless charging is nothing new, of course. Several companies have already delivered wireless charging solutions, but Apple has stubbornly stuck to cords. For well over a year, rumors have suggested Apple would move to wireless charging. Several other patent awards have also hinted at such a move. Aside from its wireless-charging patent, Apple was also awarded a host of design patents, including one for the upcoming Mac Pro. That computer, which comes with a cylindrical design, is expected to launch later this month. Apple also won patents on the Apple TV and third-generation iPad featuring Wi-Fi and 4G LTE. The new Mac Pro: You have to see to believe (pictures) 1-2 of 10 Scroll Left Scroll Right As with most other companies, Apple often files for patents on technologies that might never come out. Just because the company has been awarded a patent on wireless charging, it's important to remember that the embodiment featured in that patent might not make its way to store shelves.
Apple has stubbornly stuck to cords in the past, but a newly won patent teases the possibility of wireless charging system that will power up everything from iPhones to iMacs.
Apple won several patents on Tuesday, including one that covers wireless charging.
Apple's patent win with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) describes a method by which consumers can power up everything from desktops to mobile devices with a wireless charger.
Related stories
- Imagine your face as your future iPhone password
- iOS users outshop Android counterparts on Cyber Monday
- Apple buys Topsy, could integrate it into iTunes Radio -- report
The patent, which was reported on earlier by Patently Apple, includes a diagram showing an iMac, along with an iPod, keyboard, and Apple Magic Mouse, being charged on a "virtual charging area." According to the patent, the technology uses a near-field magnetic resonance power supply that communicates with the charging area and charges the device.
Wireless charging is nothing new, of course. Several companies have already delivered wireless charging solutions, but Apple has stubbornly stuck to cords. For well over a year, rumors have suggested Apple would move to wireless charging. Several other patent awards have also hinted at such a move.
Aside from its wireless-charging patent, Apple was also awarded a host of design patents, including one for the upcoming Mac Pro. That computer, which comes with a cylindrical design, is expected to launch later this month. Apple also won patents on the Apple TV and third-generation iPad featuring Wi-Fi and 4G LTE.
As with most other companies, Apple often files for patents on technologies that might never come out. Just because the company has been awarded a patent on wireless charging, it's important to remember that the embodiment featured in that patent might not make its way to store shelves.
