Apple is reportedly working on research that could potentially allow it to wirelessly transmit data and even authenticate accessories when they are attached via MagSafe.
As reported by AppleInsider, Apple’s newly granted patent application – “Accessory Devices That Communicate With Electronic Devices,” may hold the answer to how the iPhone maker can make its MagSafe technology smarter.
Currently, MagSafe accessories can only charge and magnetically attach to Apple iPhone 12 and later models. Additionally, depending on the first-party case or MagSafe charger you attach, iPhones play varied animations. Apple is looking to expand on this functionality further.
In the patent, Apple notes: “For instance, some accessory devices inadvertently form a ‘heat trap’ by virtue of their position on the electronic device.”
“Moreover, advances in processor technology provide faster processing speeds for electronic devices, but generate more heat during operation,” it added.
Now, let’s talk about how Apple can tell the difference between a MagSafe case and a MagSafe charger, and play different animations accordingly. Apple says it’s all thanks to “a magnetic field sensor configured to detect a magnetic field from a magnetic assembly external to the housing.” And it can “compare the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field sensor with a predetermined magnetic field.” That’s how an iPhone can tell the difference between products and play out animations accordingly.
Later in the patent filing, Apple reveals that it is expanding the system by introducing a new level of information recognition. “The accessory device may also include a wireless communication circuit that is disposed in the bottom wall,” Apple notes. “The wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit information to the portable electronic device after an authentication based on the magnetic field vector,” Apple added.
In theory, Apple could use this system to tell iOS about different tolerances and how to match a particular accessory. This patent could also allow it to get more information from an accessory wirelessly and use that information to authenticate, and identify it.
It’s not clear if or when Apple will implement this, but it looks like they’re looking for new ways to make MagSafe more useful than just magnets and wireless charging. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the real world use cases.
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