Apple applies for patent for wireless chargers

Apple has filed a patent application for what appears to be a system that could one day charge your phone from across the room.

The new patent describes a system that could supply power to multiple devices, using both wired and wireless connections.

Long-range wireless charging has faced a number of challenges, including issues with distance and power availability, and safety requirements - but, the patent reveals Apple may have come up with a few work-arounds.

The patent, spotted by 9to5Mac, was published on December 28.

An image accompanying the description shows how a power adapter could be linked to multiple electronic devices, all of which are in the same communications network.

‘A system may have a power adapter with multiple ports for supply power,’ a summary of the patent states.

‘The electronic devices may include devices such as cellular telephones, wristwatch devices, laptop computers, and tablet computers.

‘The power adapter may supply power using wired links and wireless links.’

The patent suggests Apple is looking into ways to prioritize the different devices within the system’s range, so as to ensure the limited amount of power goes to where it’s needed.

This could mean you indicate which devices are more important, such as an iPhone over iPad, 9to5Mac explains.