Odd Apple-Designed Magnetic Wireless Charger Prototype Surfaces in Leaked Video

[MacRumors]

Amid rumors that Apple is continuing to work on some kind of wireless charging mat after the failure of the AirPower, 9to5Mac has shared a video said to depict an Apple "magnetic wireless charger prototype."

The charger is a flat white disc with some kind of connector at the back, which appears to allow it to attach to another device. The circular shape resembles the Qi-based wireless charging coils built into iPhones, and the connector indicates that it could be a component of a larger accessory.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1306641820877807616

Rumors have suggested that the iPhone 12 models have a ring of magnets inside for attaching them to wireless charging accessories, but it's not known if the prototype is related. Component photos have previously depicted alleged iPhone 12 internals that feature the rumored magnet layout.

There is no word on what this charger is, how Apple will use it, or if it is somehow representative of a future wireless charging accessory that Apple will release.

There is a possibility that this is some kind of accessory that Apple will use as a display in its retail stores, as other curious mounts spotted in the past have turned out to be for retail use. It's also possible that this is some kind of demo unit designed for Apple's Made for iPhone partners to provide instructions on future wireless chargers.

Article Link: Odd Apple-Designed Magnetic Wireless Charger Prototype Surfaces in Leaked Video

 

[lanegandy]

Seems like it's going to be an "Apple Watch" charger but for your iPhone. Sounds cool because you'll be able to wirelessly charge while still holding and using your phone. This will probably allow them to remove the charging port completely in a year or two.

 

[caliguy]

AirTag compatibility would be awesome.

 

[Jakewilk]

I hope the magnets are a mount built into the iphone that allows you to attach it seemlessly to a dashboard mount and charge at the same time

 

[AngerDanger]

1. Put metal contacts on back of pop socket.
2. Film video calling it an Apple Prototype.
3. ?????????
4. Profit.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Perhaps a pill 💊 to swallow...

 

[btrach144]

Wireless charging is annoying. About one morning a month I wake up to an uncharged iPhone.

 

[seatton]

Finally, a better pic of an AirTag Pro Max

 

[ayasinsk]

When Apple did not include ac charging adapter with the watch I was certain they were going to announce air power as the “one more thing” at the end. Perhaps it’ll be announced in October but I doubt it.

 

[JM]

What?! So odd!!!

? haha

 

[12643]

Charger? Or maybe a prototype of the airtags with a charging port.

 

[Solomani]

Looks like a 1st generation Jobsian Apple Mouse.

 

[awdodson24]

Outside the box idea:

It's a wireless charger for a smaller HomePod that has an 8-hour battery life. When you're not using it on-the-go, it sits on this small, indiscrete charging disc.

 

[sparkinstx]

Ring of magnets? So much for those cases that have a slot for credit cards on the back.

 

[alpi123]

Seems like it's going to be an "Apple Watch" charger but for your iPhone. Sounds cool because you'll be able to wirelessly charge while still holding and using your phone. This will probably allow them to remove the charging port completely in a year or two.

I thought they could put a smart connector on the bottom where the port is and the cable would magnetically attach to that connector (similar to how the Apple Pencil attaches to the smart connector of the iPad Pro)

 

[ericdavid]

It is ultimately going to be for car mounts (or any other mount). It's also a genius design because the ring of magnets with have reverse polarity for every other magnet. This means if you rotate the phone, it will push away from the charger, but also be a very strong hold when in use. Magnets are king so this excites me.

 

[44267547]

I actually believe this is something to do with the iPhone more than it is a ‘standalone product‘ like the Airpower was. The AirPower was intended to charge multiple products, this is something small enough that it could be for a multitude of different uses, maybe even Watch/iPhone Related.

 

[CarlJ]

Wireless charging is annoying. About one morning a month I wake up to an uncharged iPhone.

Wireless charging is wonderful. It changes the paradigm. I don’t have to remember specifically to plug in my phone at night to charge, because I drop it on the stand during the day, and the stand is a wireless charger. It charges more slowly, but the iPhone has access to power to charge, lots of times throughout the day - charging is no longer a separate overt act that you have to plan for, it just happens.

 

[BaltimoreMediaBlog]

Wireless charging is annoying. About one morning a month I wake up to an uncharged iPhone.

I think wireless charging is overrated honestly. You still have to put the phone somewhere specifically to charge.
And doesn't it negatively affect the longevity of the iPhone's batteries?

 

[subjonas]

Attaches to your chest to keep the shrapnel from entering your heart.

 

[btrach144]

Wireless charging is wonderful. It changes the paradigm. I don’t have to remember specifically to plug in my phone at night to charge, because I drop it on the stand during the day, and the stand is a wireless charger. It charges more slowly, but the iPhone has access to power to charge, lots of times throughout the day - charging is no longer a separate overt act that you have to plan for, it just happens.

Maybe stands are the way to go. The current wireless mats are like trying to play a game of bullseye to ensure you've aligned the coils up correctly.

 

[bpeeps]

I hope the magnets are a mount built into the iphone that allows you to attach it seemlessly to a dashboard mount and charge at the same time

I never knew I needed this until now.

 

[bpeeps]

Ring of magnets? So much for those cases that have a slot for credit cards on the back.

And possibly people with those dinosaur-sized otterbox cases.

 

[itsmilo]

Wireless charging is wonderful. It changes the paradigm. I don’t have to remember specifically to plug in my phone at night to charge, because I drop it on the stand during the day, and the stand is a wireless charger. It charges more slowly, but the iPhone has access to power to charge, lots of times throughout the day - charging is no longer a separate overt act that you have to plan for, it just happens.

unless you miss placing it perfectly on your night stand and wake up to an empty iPhone cuz it never started to charge.

 

[SevenSeas]

If it works, and works well, bring it on.