On January 10th, it was reported that future communication between iPhones can no longer rely on Bluetooth and Wi Fi. According to the latest approved technology patent, Apple is considering using Li Fi for data transmission through AirDrop.
Apple once used infrared ray (IR) emitters/receivers in Mac, which theoretically could be used for any short distance data exchange.
However, in practical applications, infrared is often used for remote controls such as Siri Remote because infrared transmission speed is slow and devices must be accurately aligned with each other.
Apple has recently obtained a technology patent titled “Optical Structure in Directional Free Space Optical Communication System for Portable Electronic Devices”. Although the term Li Fi is not mentioned in the patent, according to the patent description, it is to use this optical communication system to improve data transmission.
Apple stated that as long as the two devices are very close and aligned with each other, optical communication is safer and faster than traditional Wi Fi or Bluetooth.
Moreover, compared to traditional device to device data communication protocols such as Wi Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth, Li Fi can improve data transmission rates (from gigabytes per second to terabytes per second), enhance data transmission privacy, and enhance data transmission security.
Although Apple only used the term “Phone” twice throughout the entire patent, it can be inferred that this technology was designed for the iPhone.
Apple stated that in addition to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, the patent can also be applied to aviation, navigation, submarine, or land vehicle control devices or network devices.