Apple wants iOS and Mac devices to charge wirelessly and be waterproof
... and if you can do that, you are hired, at least according to the jobs section on Apple’s own website, where the position of “Sr. Wireless Charging Design Engineer” was published, Tuesday, March 31st.
The job description details duties and responsibilities of the qualified individual, in the realm of DC-DC power design for Apple’s next generation devices. This opening is very telling of Apple’s next move on what future Apple devices might function.
If iPhones and iPads will one day be able to charge wirelessly, and no longer needing wires to connect to AC / DC power, there is a strong possibility for future constructions to be hermetically sealed, and even waterproof.
Apple already owns several patents pertaining to DC / DC power and wireless charging, and it seems that with this new opening, Apple is looking to dedicate specific resources to the task, under the supervision of the new figure currently being sought.
Apple has made considerable strides in the field of “System of a Chip” design and sealed circuitry, as of late with the S1 chip that currently powers the Apple Watch. With Apple hardware shrinking in size, and reaching new levels of energy efficiency with every new iteration, the ability to charge iPhones and iPads, and perhaps even future MacBooks, could be a reality in the near future.
Early this year we have talked about WattUp, one company in particular, which is on the forefront of wireless charging, using WiFi to convey electricity to power several devices at once within a household, simultaneously, via a centralized “charging router”.
By the same token, we could see future Apple hardware powered by similar over-the-air systems. Needless to say, Apple is likely to have the upper-hand in marketing these systems, by integrating them even outside of consumers private homes, such as in cars, using CarPlay integration, or even through the use of public infrastructures, if that’s in the cards as a feasible option.
An interesting observation about the potential focus on wireless charging, could be made about the latest MacBook’s design, featuring a redesigned battery, as well as a single USB Type-C connector. One has to wonder whether the choice of drastically reducing the number of connectors on MacBook devices will turn into a future trend where battery charging may be likely to offer over-the-air options as well. Most importantly, whether Apple is thinking of implementing substantial design modifications on devices themselves, or if current Apple products may be already compatible with DC - DC design concepts already in the works.