Patent application shows Apple is developing a MagSafe battery case
Apple describes the product in the patent application as “An accessory device…used to receive and carry an electronic device. Further, the accessory device may include a cover that is pivotally coupled to the receptacle. The cover is designed to protect a front surface of the electronic device, including a cover glass. The accessory device may further include a power supply (such as a battery) that is located on the cover. The power supply is designed to provide power to the electronic device, and subsequently charge a battery of the electronic device. The power supply can also provide power to different devices. In this regard, the accessory device may include an inductive charging coil that can inductively charge a battery of a device located on the accessory device. The inductive charging coil can be integrated into the receptacle or the cover.”
According to the patent application, once the iPhone is inserted into the case, it will connect automatically with the battery. The power supply is removable and can be exchanged with a fully charged replacement. Some versions of the accessory, according to Apple, will be equipped with an “inductive charging module that includes an inductive charging receiver coil designed to receive energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) that is used to charge the power supply.
If MagSafe generates some decent revenue, it could attract more third-party accessory manufacturers resulting in some exciting new capabilities for iPhone models that are compatible with the MagSafe system.
