18:40 30-11-2025

GM's seatback storage and wireless charging system detailed in new patent

General Motors is preparing an intriguing update for future vehicles. According to newly published patent US 12,479,345 B2, the company is developing a seat-integrated storage and charging system for electronic devices. Aimed at rear-seat passengers, it promises a more convenient way to use smartphones and tablets on the move. The core idea is a rotating panel built into the front seatback, fitted with a device holder and, in some versions, a wireless charging module, all powered by the car’s electrical system.

Inside the unit is a dedicated compartment for stowing gadgets—especially handy on long journeys and family road trips. A key component is an adjustable hinge with locking detents, allowing the passenger to change both the tilt and the orientation of the platform. That makes it easy to find a comfortable viewing angle, whether for watching videos, joining video calls, or reading.

Engineers from Korea, named in the filing, also included locks that prevent the platform from moving on its own during bumps or hard braking. It’s the kind of detail that often separates a clever idea from a genuinely usable feature on real roads. The system could become a standard feature on 2025-and-later models. With reliance on digital devices growing—especially when traveling with kids—the concept from GM feels not just convenient, but timely.