Apple is Working on an All-In-One Data & Power Cable for Your Mac & iOS Devices

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Apple-all-in-one-power-and-data-cable

When I go on vacation and I want to take my notebook and iOS devices with me, I have to pack a bunch of white cables into my case — all of which seem to be tangled up with each other by the time I take them out again. However, Apple is developing a universal all-in-one data & power cable that will charge both your Mac and your iOS devices, and allow you to transfer data between them.

A patent application published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reveals Apple’s work on “Power Adapters for Powering and/or Charging Peripheral Devices,” that are compatible with both Macs and iOS devices.

The filing details “improved techniques for powering and/or charging peripheral devices through data transmission lines.” The illustrations that accompany the filling demonstrate how the cable might work with mobile devices, such as the iPhone or iPad, and computers.

Apple explains the benefits of an all-in-one solution:

“It would be desirable to remove the total number of connections made to a peripheral device so as to reduce the number of connectors and cables needed to operate the peripheral device. By reducing the number of connectors and cables, the peripheral size and the cost of the product may be decreased as well as the ease of use of the peripheral device may be improved (less cables to tote around).”

The solution also boasts a power adapter with a built-in data port, which allows you to plug both your iPad and your Mac into the same power outlet, and then transfer data between the two while they’re charging. This negates the need for a separate USB cable for your iOS device.

Would you like to see an all-in-one charging a data transfer solution from Apple?

[via AppleInsider]

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