Apple ‘Testing’ Wireless Charging Via Wi-Fi Routers

Apple is experimenting withwireless chargingtechnologies that could see users charge their iPhones with a Wi-Fi router. Now wireless charging has been around for a while now, although many believe that Apple’s solution could offer up “true” wireless charging without the use of charging mats. The iPhone-maker had filed the patent on October 23, 2015 and it was later made public by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday. The patent application describes a system that can take advantage of the wireless signals emitted by routers to charge electronic devices.

applesnewtechnologywillallowiphonestobechargedviarouter

Wireless Charging and Communications Systems With Dual-Frequency Patch Antennas” is a method for transferring power to electronic devices over frequencies normally dedicated to data communications. In its various embodiments, the invention notes power transfer capabilities over any suitable wireless communications link, including cellular between 700 MHz and 2700 MHz, and Wi-Fi operating at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and may be used to support millimeter wave communications. Multiple reports have shot down that rumor, and more recent leaks do not mention anything about long-range support, although the iPhone 8 is still expected to feature wireless charging. 

Theoretically, the proposal opens the door to wire-free charging from in-home Wi-Fi routers to cellular nodes and even satellite signals. Of course, amplitude in a wireless system is normally a function of distance. The wireless circuitry may include adjustable circuitry to steer wireless signals associated with the antenna array, meaning that one day you could walk around your house with your phone in hand while it charges wirelessly. This would ensure a strong and stable signal which could extend the range of wireless charging capabilities.

Obviously, it’s worth noting that this is only a patent, not an indication that Apple is actually working on a magical router that can give you gigabit Wi-Fi while simultaneously charging your iPhone from across a room. Still, the idea of doubling up the antennas used for Wi-Fi and cellular data to wirelessly charge devices is a clever one, even if true long distance wireless charging is still a long way away from practical day-to-day use.

ImageCopyright by gizbot.com

 

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