AirPower to Launch in 'Late March' According to DigiTimes Sources

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to release its long-awaited wireless charging mat AirPower in "late March" according to Taiwanese publication DigiTimes. We're in late March now, so if the report is accurate, then a release should be imminent.

The report cites unnamed "industry sources" within Apple's supply chain:

Lite-On Semiconductor, a maker of discrete and analog IC components, is expected to see its second-quarter revenues register a double-digit sequential growth as it will soon kick off volume shipments of GPP (glass passivated package) bridge rectifiers needed for Apple's wireless charger AirPower, according to industry sources.

The sources said that Apple's AirPower wireless charger for iPhones, Apple Watch and AirPods is set to be officially launched in late March, which will significantly drive up Lite-On's revenues for the second quarter of 2019.

There are 10 days remaining in March including today.

DigiTimes has a mixed track record when it comes to predicting the timing of Apple product releases. While the publication has sources within Apple's suppliers in Asia, particularly in Taiwan, supply chain sources are typically more privy to what is coming rather than when. In short, we'll see.

There is certainly increasing evidence pointing towards an upcoming release.

Yesterday, after receiving a tip from reader Michael Bateman, MacRumors uncovered what appears to be a new image of the AirPower with an iPhone XS and the new AirPods wireless charging case on it.

MacRumors also uncovered evidence to suggest that Apple has secured the rights to the AirPower trademark in the United States.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple approved production of the AirPower earlier this year, and reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has said the AirPower will be released within the first half of 2019.

AirPower is designed to charge multiple Apple devices at once, including the iPhone 8 and newer, Apple Watch Series 3 and newer, and AirPods when they are placed in the new optional wireless charging case introduced on Wednesday.

Apple introduced new iPads on Monday, new iMacs on Tuesday, and new AirPods on Wednesday of this week.

Article Link: AirPower to Launch in 'Late March' According to DigiTimes Sources

 

[macgabe]

They should make the base of the iMac Airpower - that would solve so many problems in one go.

 

[jsmith189]

Hi.

It is currently late March.

 

[johnyslats]

We're in the endgame now

 

[SoN1NjA]

Late March? You mean today? It's launching today right?

 

[frou]

It's going to be rather anticlimactic, after all this water under the bridge, when a customer finally gets one in their hands: This is... uh... a battery charger. Not too exciting.

 

[Mighuel]

Someone should probably post the itshappening.gif
I don't have any Qi chargers yet but might consider this one if the price isn't ridiculous.

 

[Sasparilla]

Maybe there's going to be a hardware device or two unveiled at the presentation on the 25th after all. It'll be good to finally see this get released.

The once a day thing though was quite awesome - they should have just continued with that throughout the week.

 

[fumi2014]

might consider this one if the price isn't ridiculous.

It will be.

 

[iDento]

So much hype for a charger! I know it's the shiniest, coolest, most advanced charger in the world but... it is a charger dudes.

 

[madmax14304]

Some articles are claiming AirPower would charge iPhones at 15W input power. Do we even know if the Qi receiver on the iPhone can deliver that much power? If so this charger would be a game changer

 

[PickUrPoison]

It's going to be rather anticlimactic, after all this water under the bridge, when a customer finally gets one in their hands: This is... uh... a battery charger. Not too exciting.

I’d guess 99% of Apple customers have never even heard of the AirPower.

 

[Jmacman78]

So much hype for a charger! I know it's the shiniest, coolest, most advanced charger in the world but... it is a charger dudes.

Lol, exactly. I am way over the hype at this point and already bought wireless charging pads to use, that I am sure will be way cheaper than this and work just as well.

 

[44267547]

I think this product has potential. Not Necessarily just because it’s ‘Made by Apple’, simply just because you can place the device anywhere for it to charge without having a specific contact point like certain wireless chargers. Also, the only consideration I think will be prohibitive, would be the -cost- depending what Apple charges.

[And no, I don’t think it’s _too_late for this product to reach the market, but I do think it only will appeal to a certain demographic for those who want to take advantage of multi- charging devices at once.]

 

[az431]

Hi.

It is currently late March.

Thank you for restating what is already stated in the article twice.

Lol, exactly. I am way over the hype at this point and already bought wireless charging pads to use, that I am sure will be way cheaper than this and work just as well.

What hype? Apple has barely mentioned it, and hardly anyone who doesn’t track Apple rumors knows about it, so basically just you and a couple hundred other forum visitors.

 

[dan9700]

I bet it comes out and is just normal qi charger nothing special

 

[skillwill]

I used to want AirPower to launch becuase I wanted an AirPower.

Now I want it to launch so that the rumour sites can stop banging on AirPower!!! Just let Apple finish it, imagine the storm if they rushed it out and one of them set fire or something!

 

[az431]

Some articles are claiming AirPower would charge iPhones at 15W input power. Do we even know if the Qi receiver on the iPhone can deliver that much power? If so this charger would be a game changer

Since by definition receivers don’t deliver, it seems the answer to how much power a receiver can deliver is zero.

 

[nburwell]

Hi.

It is currently late March.

I was thinking the same thing. My guess? March 29th...

 

[44267547]

I bet it comes out and is just normal qi charger nothing special

What are Other wireless chargers currently available are you aware of that allows for you to charge your device(s) *anywhere* on the mat without a specific contact point?

 

[az431]

Someone should probably post the itshappening.gif
I don't have any Qi chargers yet but might consider this one if the price isn't ridiculous.

Anker charger prices are ridiculous, this will make an anker charger seem cheap.

 

[jsmith189]

Thank you for restating what is already stated in the article twice.

You're welcome, friend.

 

[Uobio]

I don’t get why macrumors is building so much expectation and then it will be just a glorified qi charger for like 199$. But whatever, maybe it’s just me.

 

[YaBe]

I already bought an Air Power... Air Power 6000

Comes in white and black and "Product" Red.

 

[otternonsense]

I’d guess 99% of Apple customers have never even heard of the AirPower.

In other words, 99% of Apple customers do not follow announcement events? I know they've gotten boring as of late, but ouch