Future MacBooks May Feature Built-in Wireless Chargers for iOS Devices

Apple has been awarded two new 2-way charging or ‘reverse charging’ patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), suggesting we might soon see a MacBook capable of wirelessly charging iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, AirPods, and more (via Patently Apple).

Apple’s newly granted patents details how inductive charging coils could be placed under the frame of a MacBook that could accommodate the charging of multiple devices at one time.

The lid or cover of a MacBook could also be laced with inductive charging coils that could act as a charging plate.

A portable electronic device comprising: an enclosure having a back surface and defining an opening opposite from the back surface; a display positioned within the opening of the enclosure; a first inductive coil and a second inductive coil positioned separate from the first inductive coil, positioned within the enclosure and between the display and the back surface of the enclosure.

Apple’s latest pair of patents regarding inductive charging has added a total of 40 new patent claims supporting this invention.