Prior to a number of major leaks, there were rumors the iPhone 5 would be Apple's first device with NFC and inductive charging. Instead of an NFC chip for mobile payments, Apple made the Passbook app.
And instead of including inductive wireless charging, they built a better dock connector. As Apple's Phil Schiller told AllThingsD, "having another device you have to plug into the wall (i.e., a wireless charging station) is actually, for most situations, more complicated," than using a charging cable.
Schiller went on to promise Apple will continue to use the Lightning connector "for many years to come."
But a new patent application, dug up by Apple Insider, shows that Apple hasn't written off wireless charging at all. The company has been researching it (and possibly developing prototypes) while its executives belie its utility.
But Apple didn't invent inductive charging! you're probably thinking. How could they get a patent for it? Good question! Apple isn't actually seeking a patent for inductive charging; the application pertains to additional docking-station type functions for a wireless charging pad, based on how various devices are oriented on it.
So for example, placing your (future) iPhone face-down could both charge and sync it to iCloud, whereas placing it face-up could just charge it. Make room for a second iPhone or iPod Touch or compatible camera, throw NFC into the mix, and you could do all kinds of cool things.
Of course, patent applications don't necessarily indicate a company's intentions, so it's totally possible we'll never see Apple implement anything like this. And even if we do, that doesn't mean Lightning will go the way of the buffalo.
Does wireless charging make sense for the iPhone? Let us know in the comments.
Jon Fox is a Seattle hipster who loves polar bears and climbing trees. You can follow him on Twitter and IGN.
Source : ign[dot]com
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