“Today, the US Patent & Trademark Office granted Apple a patent relating to an all-new iWallet Credit System Architecture,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple. “It’s a surprising patent win for Apple considering that it was an acquired patent from two inventors in Finland and originally published in Great Britain. Apple refilled it in March 2011.”

“The new credit system architecture is a separate wing of Apple’s originating iWallet architecture and deals with a subsidization program that works with sponsors and advertisers,” Purcher reports. “If a consumer doesn’t chose a subsidized iPhone, then the credits earned for working with advertisers and sponsors could be used to purchase Apple products and/or services.”

Purcher reports, “Last week we learned that Research in Motion’s BlackBerry will be the first smartphone in Canada to offer consumers a viable mobile wallet system this fall. With that aggressive schedule in play, you [now] have to wonder how [long until] Apple’s iWallet [is revealed].”

Much more, including Apple’s patent descriptions and diagrams, in the full article here.

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Apple’s iWallet: The one that will rule the world – March 21, 2012
Apple’s new iWallet patent hints at new killer app – March 9, 2012
Apple wins major U.S. ‘iWallet’ patent; the one that may one day ‘rule the world’ – March 6, 2012
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Apple patent app describes future iOS devices communicating with parking meters, doors, cash registers and much more – September 22, 2011