Apple Looking to Build Rechargeable Battery Pack

According to a recent patent, it appears that Apple is interested in making its own external, rechargeable battery pack. There are plenty of portable batteries for the iPhone on the market already, but it looks like Apple might introduce a new charging cable with its own rechargeable battery.

A future charging cable from Apple could supply multiple charge cycles when disconnected from a power source…

AppleInsider reports,

“The filing for “Power Adapter with Internal Battery” describes a wall charger with an integrated battery pack, allowing users to charge a device at home and give that device extra juice when on the go.

Apple’s application acknowledges that rechargeable external battery accessories do already exist. However, it notes that such accessories are not as advantageous as one that might be integrated with a standard charging cable.”

The patent describes a “smart” charger that would have the ability to determine the needed charge between the external battery and the device. This battery pack could theoretically be used for MacBooks and iDevices.

The patent description seems to be rather vague. AppleInsider speculates how this type of hardware could be implemented,

“Such a device could be augmented by a “trickle source” for power, such as solar. And it could also include a USB port for charging a device like an iPhone or iPod. The accessory could also include a wireless adapter, allowing a MacBook or other device to access the power adapter even when it is not physically connected.

Apple’s application also notes that its external battery solution could employ current power adapter features, such as its patented MagSafe connector.”

We’ve heard that MagSafe could be coming to the iPhone, and it’s interesting that this patent could compliment a change to MagSafe in sync/charge technology. Perhaps Apple is looking to implement these features into the iPhone 5.

What do you think about the possibility of a portable battery pack in Apple’s next charging cable? Do you think we’ll see that technology when the iPhone 5 is introduced?

[AppleInsider]