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ApplePatent applicationBatteries & energyInterest 6/10

Apple patents wireless charging that picks frequencies based on location

Apple describes a wireless charging system where the device being charged chooses a specific radio frequency to receive power. The device selects this frequency based on its geographic location and asks the charger to use it, allowing for higher power transfer than standard single-frequency modes.

Why it mattersThis could help wireless chargers avoid interference in crowded areas by adapting to local regulations or conditions, potentially making high-speed wireless charging more reliable.

In the filing’s own words

A wireless power system may include a power transmitting device for transmitting wireless power to a power receiving device. The power transmitting device may be operable in accordance with a first power profile that delivers wireless power at a first wattage using only a first frequency or a second power profile that delivers wireless power at a second wattage greater than the first wattage using the first frequency and/or a second frequency greater than the first frequency. The power receiving device can determine that the power transmitting device is capable of transmitting wireless power at multiple frequencies during operation in the second power profile, select a particular frequency from the multiple frequencies, and send a request to the power transmitting device requesting the power transmitting device to transmit wireless power at the particular frequency.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A power receiving device adapted to receive wireless power from a power transmitting device, the power receiving device comprising: a wireless power transfer coil configured to receive wireless power from the power transmitting device, wherein the power transmitting device implements a wireless power transfer protocol defining a first power profile and a second power profile, and wherein the power transmitting device transfers wireless power at a first wattage during operation under the first power profile and transfers wireless power at a second wattage greater than the first wattage during operation under the second power profile; a rectifier circuit coupled to the wireless power transfer coil and configured to output a corresponding rectified voltage; and control circuitry configured to: in response to determining that the power transmitting device is capable of transmitting wireless power at multiple frequencies during operation under the second power profile, select a particular frequency from the multiple frequencies and send a request to the power transmitting device requesting the power transmitting device to transmit wireless power at the particular frequency, wherein the particular frequency is selected according to a geographic assignment for the power receiving device.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Frequency Negotiation for a Wireless Power System
Publication number
US20260261154A1
Application number
19442583
Filed
Jan 7, 2026
Published
Sep 3, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
19

Classified under

H02J 50/80 Electricity & electronicsH02J 7/971 Electricity & electronicsH02J 50/10 Electricity & electronicsH02J 50/90 Electricity & electronicsH02J 2107/20 Electricity & electronicsH02J 2207/20 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.