A groundbreaking development has emerged in the tech sphere as a prototype of Apple's once-anticipated AirPower wireless charger has been witnessed successfully charging an Apple Watch for the first time.
Could this mean that this canceled charging mat has regained its lost glory?
The Vision Behind AirPower
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
CUPERTINO, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller introduces AirPower during an Apple special event at the Steve Jobs Theatre on the Apple Park campus on September 12, 2017 in Cupertino, California. Apple held their first special event at the new Apple Park campus where they announced the new iPhone 8, iPhone X and the Apple Watch Series 3.
Initially introduced in September 2017 alongside the iPhone X, AirPower was envisioned as an innovative charging mat capable of wirelessly charging multiple Apple devices simultaneously.
As MacRumors reports, this outdated technology was designed to accommodate Qi-based iPhones, Apple Watch, and AirPods, providing users with unparalleled convenience and efficiency in charging their devices.
The unique feature of AirPower lay in its ability to enable users to place their devices anywhere on the mat, thanks to its multiple overlapping charging coils. Apple's early marketing materials depicted a mesmerizing on-screen iOS animation when devices were placed on the mat, offering a glimpse into the seamless charging experience it promised to deliver.
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From Concept to Reality
Despite initial excitement surrounding AirPower, the project encountered numerous setbacks during its development phase, leading to its eventual cancellation by Apple in March 2019.
However, glimpses of its potential surfaced with the emergence of prototype images and video footage in subsequent years, showcasing its unique multi-coil design and internal circuitry.
What Went Wrong With AirPower in the Past
According to Tech Times, the iPhone maker phased out the AirPower because it can't "achieve high standards." One notable issue is that the charging mat easily overheats.
At the time, one person who was familiar with the situation said that Apple canceled the project because it cannot "reliably charge every device." On top of that, the production cost was expensive for their budget.
Unlocking New Possibilities
The latest breakthrough comes in the form of a video demonstration by "Apple Demo," showcasing the AirPower prototype's ability to charge an Apple Watch.
Equipped with 16 coils, the prototype exhibits promising functionality, albeit with some thermal concerns. Notably, AirPower's capability to charge the Apple Watch wirelessly, a feature not supported by traditional Qi charging, underscores its revolutionary potential.
Is AirPower Coming Back Sooner?
While AirPower may have faced obstacles in its journey to fruition, reports suggest that Apple remains committed to exploring similar wireless charging solutions. Although subsequent developments such as MagSafe and the MagSafe Duo charger have emerged, the legacy of AirPower continues to inspire innovation where wireless charging technology thrives.
The successful demonstration of AirPower's prototype charging an Apple Watch exemplifies the spirit of innovation driving technological advancements.
Prototype Apple AirPower with 16 coils (PROTO1) charging a Prototype Apple Watch Series 4 (DVT). It’s amazing that Apple Watch charging works, given wireless chargers today generally can’t charge Apple Watches. However, the Apple Watch on AirPower gets quite warm. #appleinternal pic.twitter.com/GfywG3KZS9
— Apple Demo (@AppleDemoYT) April 7, 2024
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