Apple patents 20V fast charger for iPhone and iPad

Apple may be working on a charger that can supply up to 20V to an iPhone or iPad, according to a patent application. The fast charger should significantly reduce the required charging time of a mobile device.

Apple’s patent application states that an iPhone or iPad requests the charging options of the fast charger via a serial UART protocol or a USB protocol. The power supply is then asked to ‘question’ whether it is capable of supplying 20V. If so, the mobile device will demand a certain voltage between 6 and 20V, PatentlyApple writes.

Currently, the chargers of an iPhone or iPad provide a voltage of up to 5V. Should Apple increase this voltage to a maximum of 20V in future fast chargers, the time required for a full charge of the internal battery will be significantly reduced. It is still unclear when Apple’s patent application will be granted or not and whether the manufacturer is already working on such a fast charger.