Remember AirPower, the dream of a charging mat that expenses your iPhone, Watch, and AirPods simultaneously? It was canceled in 2019. It was like a mirage, like a celeb visible within the sky, which vanished in a second. But the latest collector’s video “Apple Demo” gives a tantalizing glimpse of what might have been.
For the first time, we can see a practical AirPower probe charging the Apple Watch Series 4 during a product demonstration (developer feat only). This is important because unlike iPhones and AirPods (which use the Qi standard), the Watch uses a proprietary charger. Through this model, Apple is now in a position where you can ask Apple why they stopped it.
The answer might be hidden in the video itself. The collector said that the wear and tear on the Apple Watch has increased significantly during charging. This problem of overheating, along with potential inefficiencies, maybe the reason for Apple to pull the plug.
One of the unique promises of AirPower was the ability to eliminate the effort of placing instruments in precise positions. Its multiple charging coils meant you could drop your devices anywhere on the mat. Such a patent (others may have eight coils or 32) demonstrates the scope of its functionality.
Apple never released AirPower after its 2017 announcement, leaving reviewers and fans empty-handed. The plan was discontinued in 2019 due to some internal troubles, giving rise to the rumors.
MagSafe, introduced a year later, offered a different approach to wireless charging. What must be acknowledged is the fact that it doesn’t exactly replace AirPower’s multiple-device storyline, but it works to the benefit. Still, the video offers a glimmer of hope that Apple might someday revisit the concept. In the meantime, supplemental Qi chargers will serve as the best option for home use (inspired by a little fan imagination).
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
