PowerbyProxi was acquired by Apple

Apple, which recently said it included wireless charging in its iPhone X and iPhone 8 smartphones, acquired New Zealand firm PowerbyProxi, which designs wireless power products for consumers and industry.

Wireless charging allows users to charge devices by placing their phone on a surface, without having to dock it or plug in a cable.

It has slowly begun to adopt this system, lagging behind its biggest rival Samsung, which has been supporting wireless charging in some of its own devices for a few years.

Apple's interest in PowerbyProxi for wirelessly charging industry machinery and medical devices could support up to 150 watts of output through any non-metallic material, said Jake Saunders, ABI Research Asia Pacific vice president.

This could allow Apple to offer larger pads that can quickly charge multiple consumer devices, including laptops and even electric scooters.

Apple recently said its own AirPower accessory will charge up to three devices, including the Apple Watch, iPhone, and new versions of the AirPod charging case.