According to recent patent filings, Apple Computer is considering building a universal power adapter producing multiple dc outputs to simultaneously charge several devices such as a MacBook, iPhone and iPad. The company has also thought about adding an all-in-one data and power cable to the adapter that would enable data transfer between the devices.
In patent application 20110278923, “Multi-Output Power Supply,” the authors start with the fact that most commercially available adapters do not include multiple outputs for supplying different DC voltage levels.
