Apple has acquired the New Zealand based company PowerbyProxi that specializes in wireless charging technology. The Cupertino giant may have just started offering wireless charging feature on its devices beginning this year, but the acquisition is a clear indication of its ambitions in the field of wireless charging in future.
The recently launched iPhone 8, 8 Plus, iPhone X and the Apple Watch Series 3 are the first from Apple to support wireless charging. Apple had also introduced AirPower, which essentially is a charging mat which can be used to charge any of its latest devices simultaneously. AirPower is due to reach the market next year and supports the Qi industry standard.
Also, it is rare for Apple to confirm any of its acquisitions, the terms of the deal are still being kept under wraps.
As such, it is not known at the moment if PowerbyProxi will continue to have an independent existence of its post the acquisition.
The financial aspect of the deal is also anybody’s guess at the moment.
Founder Fady Mishriki who set up PowerbyProxi back in 2007 said he along with his work-mates is all too excited to join Apple. He also termed the merger as a great move given both the companies share the same values so far as wireless charging efforts are concerned.
The company traces back its lineage to the University of Aukland from which it had emerged as a spin-off. It has since developed effective means of wirelessly transferring up to 100 watts of power, which makes the technology feasible for charging larger devices as well. Those again can range from robots, drones as a future case scenario to the more closer to the present MacBook devices in future.
Apple has often been criticised for not offering wireless charging on the iPhone, a feature that had become almost a standard offering in all Android flagship phones. The latest development should be proof enough of Apple not only intending to play catch up but also lead in future.
