Apple’s new MacBook sounds brilliant and staggering

Oh, good old Apple patents. If we take a look at the bold (and often bizarre) ideas that the company has up its sleeve, leaked files are often our first look at the technological innovations that Apple may finally reveal. And if the latest leak is possible, all your Apple devices may soon be spending a lot more time together.

Noted by Patently Apple, the patent shows a MacBook with the ability to charge your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and more wirelessly. The MacBook Pro is already our best laptop for graphic design, but the ability to match your other devices can make it the best technological hub for creative products. Or can it?

The file describes how multiple charging coils can be placed inside the frame and lid of a MacBook “that can accommodate the charging of multiple devices simultaneously”. According to Patently Apple, it’s the super powerful new M1 processor that can handle the extra heavy lifting. (If you haven’t seen the amazing new machines yet, Apple’s M1 MacBooks has already seen a surprising price drop.)

But while one machine to rule it (sorry, charging) all sounds tempting, Apple’s patent file raises questions, especially how on earth should you use the laptop with an iPhone and Apple Watch on it. It certainly will not provide a comfortable typing experience, and while we hope Apple has a more elegant solution in mind, it is the company behind the mouse that cannot be used while charging.

Second, this three-in-one wireless charging solution reminds us of another Apple product – one that has never seen the light of day. Yes, we are talking about AirPower, the three-way wireless charger that Apple dumped without ceremony because it does not meet the company’s “high standards”. If Apple could not figure out how to make AirPower work as a simple charging path, would it really be able to incorporate it into a working laptop?