Apple has filed for yet another patent (number 20190393730) that hints that, though it scrapped plans for the AirPower device, it’s still looking into a next generation wireless charging system. The patent filing is dubbed “architecture of portable electronic devices with wireless charging receiver systems.”
The AirPower was originally announced in September 2017 alongside the iPhone X. It was supposed to be able to charge a Qi-compatible iPhone, an Apple Watch, and a pair of AirPods (in a special wireless charging case) at the same time regardless of where they were placed on the pad. However, there was constant rumors of production, engineering, and manufacturing difficulties. Seems those rumors were right, as Apple announced in March that work on the device was being canceled as, in Apple’s words, “will not achieve our high standards.”
Here’s the summary of the new patent filing: “Embodiments disclosed herein describe a wireless power receiving system for an electronic device includes: a first inductor coil configured to receive power primarily at a first frequency and from magnetic fields propagating in a first direction; and a second inductor coil configured to receive power primarily at a second frequency and from magnetic fields propagating in a second direction, wherein the first frequency is different than the second frequency.”
