Apple is researching ways to advance its MagSafe technology to enable wireless data transmission and authenticate accessories, according to a recently granted patent application.
The patent, titled “Accessory Devices That Communicate With Electronic Devices,” reveals that Apple has identified some current drawbacks with MagSafe. Certain accessories can create a “heat trap” that leads to overheating and performance issues.
To address this, Apple proposes enhancing MagSafe to detect magnetic fields and differentiate accessories. This could allow accessories to communicate details like operating tolerances to iOS.
Additionally, Apple suggests MagSafe could facilitate accessory-based user authentication. An iPhone may first recognize a MagSafe accessory is connected, then check for identifying data stored on it that could serve as a secure digital key.
While still an early stage concept, expanding MagSafe’s capabilities could open up new use cases. Experts speculate it could lead to features like seamless file transfers to MagSafe peripherals or using MagSafe charging stands to automatically unlock your iPhone.
Apple continues to explore improving MagSafe over the current system that only enables basic wireless charging and attaching cases/mounts. Enhancing the integration and intelligence around MagSafe accessories appears to be a priority for the company.
This news comes amid rumors that Apple may bring MagSafe to future iPad models. If MagSafe gains data transmission abilities across more devices, it could develop into an even more versatile ecosystem for accessories.
Source: Apple Insider
