Apple is working on a 'wireless future', acquires New Zealand charging company to show it
With the introduction of wireless charging for the latest iPhones, it'd make sense for Apple to work on its own hardware.
For that, it's acquired New Zealand wireless charging company PowerbyProxi for an undisclosed sum, according to a report by Stuff on Wednesday.
Apple’s Dan Riccio, senior vice president of hardware engineering, confirmed the acquisition to the news outlet, and said the team will be "a great addition as Apple works to create a wireless future."
"We want to bring truly effortless charging to more places and more customers around the world," he added.
PowerbyProxi was founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Fady Mishriki as a spin-off from the University of Auckland's research on wireless power. According to the news outlet, Mishriki was pretty excited to join Apple.
"There is tremendous alignment with our values, and we are excited to continue our growth in Auckland and contribute to the great innovation in wireless charging coming out of New Zealand," he said.
The announcement comes from Apple after a series of big steps towards wireless charging this year. In September, Apple unveiled its very own multi-device wireless charger, the Airpower, affirming its commitment to the Qi wireless standard.
It's not clear yet how PowerbyProxi will help Apple push forward on wireless charging, but the charging company does produce a range of higher-watt systems — potentially opening the door to wireless charging of larger devices like MacBooks.
PowerbyProxi also holds patents relating to electric vehicles, which might just line up with Apple's apparent self-driving car ambitions.
