With the introduction of wireless charging for the latest iPhones, it makes perfect sense that Apple is looking to develop its own hardware.
For that reason, it bought 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 engineering logistics, confirmed the acquisition to the news outlet and said the team will be "a great addition as the company works to create a wireless future.".
“We want to offer truly effortless charging in more regions and more customers around the world,” he added.
PowerbyProxi was founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Fady Mishriki as an offshoot of the University of Auckland's research into wireless power. According to the news outlet, Mishriki was quite excited to be involved with Apple.
“There is a huge alignment with our values and we are excited to continue our growth in Auckland and contribute to the great innovation in wireless charging coming from New Zealand,” he said.
The announcement comes after Apple made a series of big moves toward wireless charging this year. In September, Apple unveiled its own multi-device wireless charger, the Airpower, reaffirming its commitment to the Qi wireless standard.
It's not yet clear how PowerbyProxi will help Apple push wireless charging, but the company is producing a range of higher-wattage systems - potentially opening the door to wireless charging of larger devices like MacBooks.
PowerbyProxi also holds patents related to electric vehicles, which could just align with Apple's more obvious self-driving ambitions.
