Apple has been granted a patent (number 10,892,625) for “cases and folios for carrying and charging accessories” that show the potential for future iPhone cases to be able to charge AirPods and AirPod Pros.
Such a case could include a main body that includes a back panel and sidewalls for retaining a portable electronic device. The case can also include a receptacle coupled to the main body. The receptacle can have a cavity that generally corresponds to the dimension of AirPods or AirPods Pro.
The case could also include a first terminal, a second terminal, and a battery. The first terminal can receive electrical energy from the portable electronic device to charge the battery. And the electrical energy stored in the battery can be transferred to the accessory through the second terminal.
The case and the portable electronic device may communicate via near-field communication. The case may also include a slotted compartment to store money and credit cards.
