Apple files patent application for wireless charging accessories next to iPad screen

Apple has filed a patent application for wireless charging of accessories such as a stylus or earphones via the screen edge of a tablet or smartphone. Reverse wireless charging has been around for several years, but it happens through the back of devices.

In the patent application published on Thursday, Apple talks about making part of the screen suitable for wireless charging by placing the necessary electronics under the glass top layer of the screen. The electronics are not located under the touchscreen itself and must therefore be located in the bezel of the screen.

Although Apple mentions that it would also be possible in a smartphone, a tablet seems more obvious. It could have an edge wide enough to accommodate the elongated coils shown, which are required for wireless charging. With an iPhone, those edges are probably too thin.

Reverse wireless charging, the wireless charging of small devices by larger devices that also have a battery on board, has been happening for several years now. The 2018 Huawei Mate 20 Pro smartphone was the first phone to support the technology and since then many phones have appeared that can. iPhones also have the necessary hardware on board, but Apple has not yet activated the function.

It is still unknown if and how Apple will really use the technology. Companies such as Apple file a relatively large number of patent applications, but by no means use all the described techniques in future products.