AppleInsider reports that Apple has applied for a patent to potentially bring added functionality to future Smart Covers, such as the ability to charge an iOS device.
The patent is titled “Integrated inductive charging in protective cover” and describes a tablet case—most likely the iPad Smart Cover—with an inductive power transmitter. From the patent:
In the described embodiments, the body portion includes an inductive power transmitter arranged to wirelessly pass power to a corresponding inductive power receiver unit disposed within the tablet device by inductively coupling, at least a first magnetic element, and at least a second magnetic element used to secure the body portion to the display in a closed configuration.
The Smart Cover would then charge the iPad when the lid is shut and would be recharged as the iOS device is plugged into a USB power source. The use of magnets within Apple's Smart Cover would help facilitate this kind of wireless charging.
While this isn't the first rumor of Apple’s foray into wireless charging, a patent is still just a patent. Whether Apple will do anything with it in the future remains to be seen.
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