Unlike its other products, the AirPower is the only offering that Apple announced but did not release. The Cupertino tech giant announced the expensive multi-device charging mat at its Sept 2017 Special Event, but because of technical issues with its production was later killed. However, a new photo surfaced online, proving that the AirPower is very much alive and could arrive soon.
The photo, which reportedly shows Apple AirPower multi-device charger comes from FrontPageTech's Jon Prosser. The industry insider shared on his Twitter account a photo of AirPower charging an Apple Watch. Prosser indicated in his tweet that the device has a codename C68.
The Apple insider also claimed that the Cupertino tech giant had an issue with the AirPower because the previous prototype does not support Apple Watch. Apparently, this issue is already fixed, as seen in the leaked photo. Additionally, it seems like the company has also changed the power connector of the multi-device charger, which now shows that it has evolved from Lightning to USB-C.
Well, you guys wanted a better picture of “C68”... Remember how I said that the main problem was that current prototypes didn’t support Apple Watch? Yeah.
Well. They got the Watch working... pic.twitter.com/LvBeNAAtt3 — Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) June 18, 2020
In April 2020, Prosser claimed that the AirPower was undergoing a revision. He noted that Apple wants the multi-charging device to have fewer charging coils to minimize overlap. The Cupertino tech giant reportedly wanted to integrate an A11 processor on the device so prevent overheating by efficiently managing its thermals and charging.
The Cupertino tech giant intended to release the AirPower in 2018 following its announcement in 2017, along with the wirelessly charging iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Unfortunately, after being silent for a year, Apple announced in March 2019 that it is canceling the multi-device charging pad. The company said that the device failed to meet its high standards but did not disclose more details about it.
Previous reports suggested that Apple wanted the AirPower to charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods charging case simultaneously. However, it backfired, and the AirPower generated a dangerous amount of heat. Some whispers online claimed that the issue has something to do with Apple Watch.
While Prosser's tweet may prove that the AirPower is very much alive, this does not mean that the Cupertino tech giant is soon releasing it. MacWorld's Jason Cross said that while AirPower was needed in 2017, it might not be that significant today. He claims that there is an extensive list of wireless chargers capable of multiple device charging.
The article also questions what exactly the Apple AirPower could offer to the industry. It is worth mentioning that Apple has not yet confirmed the existence of AirPower.
