AirPods were born as some Wireless speakers whose first generation could only be charged by cable. The next generations brought a wireless charging compatible case. And finally, the AirPods Pro and Pro Max arrived, which provide a noticeable improvement in sound quality, also in price. A patent published a few days ago shows that Apple could be working on developing iPhone cases and cases with charging compatibility for AirPods. That is, a kind of reverse charge mediated under the Apple standard for its cases and covers.
Charge the AirPods with the iPhone? Very soon
The patent called 'Cases and covers to transport and load accessories' is the document that has raised the alarm about new accessories at Apple. The patent shows how a case could stick to the iPhone and offer charge to an additional device. Depending on the shape of the case, it could carry one or another accessory. An example is the one shown in the image above where the AirPods could be connected and in a few minutes we could have them charged, without the need for a wireless charger or a cable.
Throughout the document we see different covers and cases that would allow the placement of the AirPods in different positions. In one of them we see them with a cover in a cover format where the AirPods would go in the center, on the left margin. In another, we can see them in the upper part, above the main speaker for calls.
In the description everything indicates that there could be two options regarding the way the devices charge. First of all, that the case itself has a battery and provides a charge to the accessory. And, secondly, and what seems more reasonable, is that reverse charging is enabled by allowing the iPhone 12 through MagSafe to offer charge to the case and AirPods directly.
It is not the first time that we have heard of this form of cargo within the Cupertino plans. But it is the first time that we have seen the idea focused on something visible that could be charging cases in which the AirPods would be completely involved. In addition, the rest of the manufacturers could introduce their own products compatible with this new standard.