Apple patent reveals wireless charging via display

Over the past few days, a new Apple patent has surfaced that demonstrates a new form of wireless charging. The new design, detailed in an Apple patent, proposes to install a wireless charging pad under the display of the device, thereby turning part of the display itself into a wireless charging device. This setup can make charging compatible accessories like your own Apple Watch, AirPods, or Pencil stylus a more convenient task.

Apple’s patent description reads, “Personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, and even laptop computers can be used in conjunction with accessories such as smart watches, wireless headphones/headphones, styluses, and the like.”In at least some applications, it may be desirable for personal electronic devices to provide the ability to charge associated accessories. In some embodiments, such charging may be provided through a wired connection between the personal electronic device and the accessory. In other embodiments, such charging may be provided through a wireless connection between the personal electronic device and the accessory.”

Such a mechanism would solve a long-standing factor that kept wireless charging from becoming ubiquitous: convenience. The only real benefit of wireless charging over more traditional wired charging is the convenience of simply placing the device on a surface and charging it. This removes the hassle of trying to plug in the charging adapter in the correct designated location and therefore simplifies the user experience.

While some smartphones already offer reverse wireless charging, this isn’t exactly intuitive either, as the user needs to hold the phone with the display facing down. This means that the smartphone remains unusable when it is being used to wirelessly charge another. Apple’s patent says users will be able to keep a portion of their display that can be used to receive notifications, thereby further enhancing the user experience when using wireless charging to decorate, say, a pair of AirPods – on the go.