US: Apple focuses on wireless charging with its latest acquisition

Apple is doubling on wireless charging, the technology that debuted in this year’s iPhone 8 and iPhone X, after it scooped up New Zealand-based company PowerbyProxi in its latest piece of M&A.

Ten-year-old PowerbyProxi is a spinout of the University of Auckland and is focused on developing wireless charging and power transfer products. That spans wireless control systems, wireless sensors and robotics, as well as areas more obviously suited to Apple such as wireless battery charging.

The deal, which was first reported by Stuff New Zealand, was confirmed by Apple in rare direct statement. Regular watchers of the Cupertino-based company will know all too well that it is usually rather non-specific when it makes acquisitions.

“We want to bring truly effortless charging to more places and more customers around the world. Our Auckland team will be a great addition as Apple works to create a wireless future,” Apple told TechCrunch in a statement attributed to Dan Riccio, senior vice president of its hardware engineering division.

“The team and I are thrilled 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,” Fady Mishriki, founder and CEO of PowerbyProxi, added via an accompanying canned comment.

Full Content: Stuff

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