Apple officially declared that the AirPower wireless charging mat is dead. The Cupertino tech giant had great ambitions for the AirPower but sadly had to announce that they have to cancel it for some reasons.
Analyst Rene Ritchie, via iMore, explained at length how Apple went from announcing the AirPower in 2017 to canceling it early in 2019. He said the tech giant gave a lot of effort to introduce a revolutionary wireless charging device that will do what other Qi chargers cannot do at the moment.
Here's what Apple had in mind: a wireless charging mat that would charge any compatible device placed anywhere on top of it. Users won't have to place their iPhones on this side, the AirPods 2 on that puck there, and stick the Apple Watch to the magnet on the top left-hand side.
In short, users can put their Apple devices anywhere on the AirPower mat, and it will charge them.
Apple did have great ambitions. If they succeeded, they will make convenient wireless charging more convenient. They even wanted to work using Qi technology so that others can follow suit in the future. Sadly, that didn't happen.
Disappointed? Here are some alternatives to the AirPower charging mat. All of them have their pros and cons, but they're good alternatives for those who seriously wanted an AirPower mat.
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Nomad Base Station Apple Watch Edition
Nomad's Base Station is able to charge all three Apple devices at the same time. Users can charge the iPhone horizontally, or vertically to make room for the AirPods 2. The Apple Watch has its own charging puck at the left-hand side. MacRumors recommends this $139 device.
MOST COMPACT
Kanex GoPower
This wireless charger has a small footprint, yet it can charge an Apple Watch and an iPhone or any Qi-enabled device. Apple Insider says it costs less than $80.
CHEAP AND COMPACT
Eurpmask Dual Wireless Charger
This wireless pad is big enough to charge two devices, small enough to fit anywhere and cheap enough for most people. It can only charge second-gen Apple Watches and newer, though. iMore recommends this $25 charger.
POWERBANK
MobilePal Gen-3 Qi Wireless Charging Power Bank
On-the-go wireless charging is possible with this $40 device. With two USB ports, it can even charge up to three devices. Apple Insider recommends.
DIRT-CHEAP FAST CHARGING
Humixx Wireless Charger
For those who don't need wireless chargers that can charge two or more devices at one time, this dirt-cheap Qi-certified charger is perfect. At $10.99, it's a great deal, too. Recommended by CNET.
