Dell follows Apple in exploring laptops with reverse wireless charging

Recently published Dell patent, spotted Obviously the apple, explains that the company is exploring the ability to wirelessly charge devices on the surface of the laptop. We’ve seen similar concepts from Apple, which has already won patents for similar technologies. However, rather than just dropping your iPhone on the surface of your laptop and letting it charge, a Dell patent application describes a “wireless charging clip” that can be attached to a computer and then used to charge devices placed on top of it.

The patent (No. 20220239124) was filed in early 2021 and published Thursday. It doesn’t guarantee a future product or feature, but it does give us a sneak peek into what the company has in mind.

The wireless charging clip has a surface with a charging coil and a ferrite plate underneath. The clip will be connected to the computer via magnets.

According to the patent application, the wireless charging clip uses a “charging circuit configuration [to] Provides inductive power to charge an additional device when the device is placed on top of the first surface, and a conductor through which “input power” is received from the system on which the charging clip is installed.

Apple is exploring the possibility of inductive charging in its devices for years. The United States Patent and Trademark Office already has Obtained Apple patents Use the surface, trackpad, or cover of your MacBook to wirelessly charge your Apple products.

Again, it’s not certain that Dell or Apple will release a laptop that supports reverse wireless charging in some form. After all, we’ve seen products like AirPower by Apple wireless charging mat Fail to reach the market Before.

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