Apple introduced a smart charger called AirPower in 2017. However, due to technical problems, the product was discontinued in March 2019 before its official launch.
Most of you know the story of AirPower. For everyone else – here is a brief review. At the September 2017 keynote, Apple not only presented the iPhone X and iPhone 8 as well as the iPhone 8 Plus, but also a Qi-enabled charging mat – AirPower. But what exactly makes the mat so special – the Apple logo, for example? No – it is the freedom it offers the user. For example, AirPower could have charged an iPhone, an Apple Watch and the AirPods at the same time – alternatively, four Apple Watch devices or two iPhone models with AirPods would have been possible. But the highlight of it – no matter how the devices are positioned, the charging process would still start.
Video shows charger from the inside for the first time
Unfortunately, Apple failed to implement it. According to insiders, AirPower had overheating problems. The reason for this was the arrangement of the charging coils, which did not specify a fixed charging zone. Ultimately, Apple officially gave up on the project in March 2019. Now a video has surfaced that is supposed to show the supposed miracle accessory from Apple from the inside. The complicated inner workings are presented to the public for the first time - insofar as it is a real AirPower prototype. iClarified (via Mr. White) reported on the video uploaded to bilibili that shows a detailed teardown of AirPower. In the video, we get a look at a total of 14 wireless charging coils that have been positioned close together and layered on the surface of the device. Another interesting aspect of the design is the keyboard-like metal frame that segments the dense amount of electronics packed into the wireless charger. Also visible is the familiar Lightning connector.
AirPower is said not to have been buried
If this is a real AirPower prototype, it becomes clear why the product would have been significantly more expensive than competing products. It also makes it clear why Apple's high quality standards could not be achieved. Although AirPower has officially been discontinued, there are rumors that Apple is working on a new model. The new version is slightly smaller than the original AirPower device - according to the well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The leaker Jon Prosser has also already reported something similar, and he also published pictures that were later revealed to be fake. So while Apple is probably working on a new model, other companies are not idle. Aira FreePower is an example with an 18-coil matrix. Nomad's upcoming Base Station Pro, for example, will use this technology - more about it here. (Image: via iclarified)
