Apple has began the process in patenting wireless charging, with the firm claiming its magnetic resonance technology is new and its take on the concept itself is industry-leading.
Apple's application for the patent, numbered 20120303980, refers to the ability to charge a device over the air at a distance of up to a meter, as opposed to requiring close proximity.
However, the Alliance For Wireless Power also boasts long-range charging capabilities. The alliance includes members such as Qualcomm and Samsung, who believes distance charging is its unique selling point.
Apple's patent application was filed in November 2010, which was before the alliance was formed. That said, tech startup WiPower applied for its patent on the concept of wireless charging back in 2008; WiPower has since been acquired by Qualcomm.
Several devices already boast wireless charging capabilities including Google's recently released Nexus 4 smartphone and Nokia's Lumia 920. Wireless charging in general is expected to go mainstream soon.
