A newly published patent application reveals Apple’s designs for a Smart Cover that uses inductive charging to wirelessly power an iPad. The protective cover described in the application could “wirelessly pass power to a corresponding inductive power receiver unit disposed within the tablet device” by coupling magnetic elements.
It’s also noted that “useful power can be supplied directly to a tablet device by way of a protective cover that can be placed in close proximity to a surface of the tablet device.”
The protective cover could use a battery or inductive coils powered by an external supply. A Smart Cover battery would need to be charged normally, but other embodiments recognize the possibility for solar cells to gather power for inductive transfer.
[via Apple Insider]
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