Apple Still Developing AirPower-Like Charger, Also Exploring Long-Range Wireless Charging

[MacRumors]

Apple is continuing to work on a future wireless charger that would function similarly to the now-abandoned AirPower, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

In a report outlining Apple's wireless charging ambitions, Gurman says that Apple is "still exploring" a wireless charger that would charge multiple devices like an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all at once.

Apple first announced the AirPower in September 2017 alongside the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X, and said that the charging product would launch sometime in 2018. No AirPower materialized in 2018 and after months of rumors of development issues, Apple canceled the project in March 2019.

The AirPower failed because Apple engineers were unable to solve multiple bugs affecting the device, including interference problems and issues with overheating. In 2020 alongside the iPhone 12, Apple instead unveiled MagSafe, a magnetic wireless charging alternative.

Since the AirPower was canceled, there have been persistent rumors that Apple is still working on some kind of charging mat, but most have been nebulous. Gurman's report is the clearest hint we've had yet that some kind of AirPower-like device could still come out in the future.

In addition to a wireless charger that's similar to the AirPower, Apple is also said to be "internally investigating" alternative wireless charging methods that can work over greater distances. Work on long range charging is in the early stages, though, and it's likely to be several years before we see any kind of new long-range wireless charging technology from Apple.

Article Link: Apple Still Developing AirPower-Like Charger, Also Exploring Long-Range Wireless Charging

 

[haruhiko]

Also Exploring Long-Range Wireless Charging… that won’t fry our organs?

 

[farewelwilliams]

i suspect it won't be a wireless charger but instead it'll be a multi-usb port charger where it efficiently routes the max power to the appropriate devices.

currently my anker 4 port 100W usb-c charger is a bit dumb. if i connect 2 usb-c devices, anker just delivers 50w to each device max. it's a bit stupid when you connect a MacBook Pro that wants 87W and an Apple Watch that only needs 5W max.

 

[Think|Different]

I had a feeling this might happen one day — may not be called that or acknowledged but I think Apple will figure out how this can basically work and make up for that rare pre-release announcement gaff.

 

[muasachi]

‪Or just us the AirPower charging animation while attaching MagSafe‬

 

[macduke]

I'd love an iMac that has a wireless transmitter in the base that could keep my keyboard, mouse, AirPods, Apple Watch and iPhone charged during the day. Would only need a range of a meter or less. Something like that would also be great for a night stand. Just toss all your Apple crap on there and it charges.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗]

There’s hope! I hope Apple can pull this off.

Apple is not going to give up.

 

[Pupi]

i suspect it won't be a wireless charger but instead it'll be a multi-usb port charger where it efficiently routes the max power to the appropriate devices.

currently my anker 4 port 100W usb-c charger is a bit dumb. if i connect 2 usb-c devices, anker just delivers 50w to each device max. it's a bit stupid when you connect a MacBook Pro that wants 87W and an Apple Watch that only needs 5W max.

I suspect it won’t be a charger at all but a smart dough mixer for the kitchen. I have one but I have thought sometimes it could be smarter and identify the type of dough, adjusting speed and time accordingly and sending a notification to my phone when it’s ready.

Anyway, based on my current struggles I think that’s what Apple is doing, rather than what would be logical for them to be doing and that the insider is telling us they are doing.

 

[HowardEv]

What is closer, wireless charging, or a wireless display?

 

[HowardEv]

Also Exploring Long-Range Wireless Charging… that won’t fry our organs?

Would wireless charging fry our organs? How about wifi and 5G frying our organs and heating the planet?

 

[Analog Kid]

Man, MR does love AirPower rumors…

 

[ghanwani]

Solar powered phones -- now that would be long-range wireless charging.

 

[rafark]

I'd love an iMac that has a wireless transmitter in the base that could keep my keyboard, mouse, AirPods, Apple Watch and iPhone charged during the day. Would only need a range of a meter or less. Something like that would also be great for a night stand. Just toss all your Apple crap on there and it charges.

It sounds great but the radiation is scary.

 

[kk200]

I hope Apple never provide a wireless charger.
So that Apple can only stick on Qi standard and compatible to all chargers on the market.
The story of trouble-some lightning cable shall never come back again.

 

[symphony]

I want AirPower so bad, because it looks so elegant. And I can just charge my main 3 devices together. That would be awesome.

 

[symphony]

I hope Apple never provide a wireless charger.
So that Apple can only stick on Qi standard and compatible to all chargers on the market.
The story of trouble-some lightning cable shall never come back again.

MagSafe and AirPower uses Qi….? Variation of Qi maybe on the AirPower but it’s still Qi

 

[kerr]

Bring on AirPower 2!

 

[kk200]

I want AirPower so bad, because it looks so elegant. And I can just charge my main 3 devices together. That would be awesome.

Xiaomi already started to sell their version of AirPower. You don't need wait on Apple.

Xiaomi Unveils Apple AirPower-Like $90 Wireless Charging Pad Capable of Charging Three Devices Simultaneously

At its product launch event today, Xiaomi announced a wireless charging pad that's capable of charging three devices, each up to 20W...

www.macrumors.com

 

[symphony]

Xiaomi already started to sell their version of AirPower. You don't need wait on Apple.

Xiaomi Unveils Apple AirPower-Like $90 Wireless Charging Pad Capable of Charging Three Devices Simultaneously

At its product launch event today, Xiaomi announced a wireless charging pad that's capable of charging three devices, each up to 20W...

www.macrumors.com

No. Because it doesn’t charge the Apple Watch, and if it does, it doesn’t charge it the way AirPower would.

 

[goobot]

It sounds great but the radiation is scary.

Wireless charging uses magnetism as far as I know

 

[kk200]

apple should let watch also compatible to Qi. This is exactly what I'm worry about.

 

[BvizioN]

Apple Still Developing AirPower-Like Charger​

That's fine, as long as it will be ready by the time of singularity (in a couple of decades time or so)

 

[Trenches]

It’ll be called the AirPower Actual.

 

[wanha]

Apple is always working on new technologies behind the scenes. Once the technology begins to mature and stabilize, it then moves into the product development phase.

In other words, even when Apple is not actively developing a new wireless charger or HomePod, it does not mean they are not working on those technologies in their R&D labs.

 

[nikaru]

Wireless chargers are convenient but I have found that many times my phone was not charged because it was not placed exactly in the right spot. The technology should improve or directly go for true wireless charging with at least a meter of range.