Apple has reportedly solved the AirPower overheating problem
A new product leak claims that the Apple AirPower "C68" project has resolved the problem with the Apple Watch causing drastic overheating of the three-device charging pad.
The original and never released AirPower wireless charging mat
A new leak from Jon Prosser claims to show an Apple Watch being charged on a "C68," the codename for an AirPower wireless charging plate. It's significant because it suggests that Apple has resolved the key overheating issue that is believed to be why the AirPower project was previously cancelled.
Previously, Apple refused to explain why it had cancelled its long-delayed AirPower product. Instead, Senior Vice President Dan Riccio just made a brief statement to AppleInsider and other publications in March 2019.
"After much effort, we've concluded AirPower will not achieve our high standards and we have cancelled the project," he said. "We apologize to those customers who were looking forward to this launch. We continue to believe that the future is wireless and are committed to push the wireless experience forward."
Subsequently, Prosser reported that it was due to overheating -- and overheating to the point of combustion. The Apple Watch's proprietary wireless charging system required more energy than other devices.
AirPower was supposed to allow you to place multiple devices -- such as Apple Watch, iPhone, and AirPods -- anywhere on its surface and be charged. However, according to Prosser, "if you placed an Apple Watch on the mat alongside other devices, the entire mat would overheat."
Prosser had reported that the "C68" prototype devices under test earlier this year had added an A11 processor in order to manage heat. He says that those prototypes wouldn't support the Apple Watch, and now they do.
The original and never released AirPower wireless charging mat
A new leak from Jon Prosser claims to show an Apple Watch being charged on a "C68," the codename for an AirPower wireless charging plate. It's significant because it suggests that Apple has resolved the key overheating issue that is believed to be why the AirPower project was previously cancelled.
Well, you guys wanted a better picture of "C68"...
Remember how I said that the main problem was that current prototypes didn't support Apple Watch?
Yeah.
Well.
They got the Watch working... pic.twitter.com/LvBeNAAtt3-- Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser)
Previously, Apple refused to explain why it had cancelled its long-delayed AirPower product. Instead, Senior Vice President Dan Riccio just made a brief statement to AppleInsider and other publications in March 2019.
"After much effort, we've concluded AirPower will not achieve our high standards and we have cancelled the project," he said. "We apologize to those customers who were looking forward to this launch. We continue to believe that the future is wireless and are committed to push the wireless experience forward."
Subsequently, Prosser reported that it was due to overheating -- and overheating to the point of combustion. The Apple Watch's proprietary wireless charging system required more energy than other devices.
AirPower was supposed to allow you to place multiple devices -- such as Apple Watch, iPhone, and AirPods -- anywhere on its surface and be charged. However, according to Prosser, "if you placed an Apple Watch on the mat alongside other devices, the entire mat would overheat."
Prosser had reported that the "C68" prototype devices under test earlier this year had added an A11 processor in order to manage heat. He says that those prototypes wouldn't support the Apple Watch, and now they do.
Comments
- The image where the devices aren't charging is a lightning cable
- The image where the devices are charging is not the same cable, or anything like Apple's cables
- There are various AirPower knock off devices, such as the one pictured below.
If Apple is to release the AirPower, I will definitely get at least one for home use, and just bring the Nomad to office.
If true, that would be an good way for Apple to solve its lack of HomeKit hubs. Right now you have to buy one of either an iPad, HomePod, or AppleTV -- all of which are fairly expensive -- particularly if you don't want or need the product and only want a hub. Conversely, everybody can use a charger.
Also, a flat charger for a watch is a non-starter. Anyone with a one piece band would have to either remove one end or slide the band under the charging pad. Just no, thank you very much.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HN6H2ZM/A/native-union-drop-xl-wireless-charging-pad
If an AirPower is released that does three devices, no extra cables or Watch docks, and uses a Lightning cable, I am in for sure.
As opposed, say, to some PowerBook 5300 and certain more recent MacBook Pro batteries.
We have such a charger that charges multiple iDevices (3). It works fine, even with the AirPods if you get the right protective case.
However at home we found little use for it. It is not convenient to move this charging pad around and we're all charging in random places during the day, often while using the phone or AirPod. And often in need of a long charging cable (think sitting at the other end of the couch from the "charging station"). At night it could work if you park your stuff before you go to bed and don't use until morning. But that doesn't happen often with us. Otherwise you end up fumbling around when you try to put it back, especially if something is already on there. If you charge more than one phone, then someone is bound to not see their phone until morning. This is a single user device.
So now it is at the office cubicle where you sit in one place all day. Works just fine, occupies some desk space. But with so many USB charging ports in the modern cubicle its usefulness is questionable in relation to a USB cable you can take to a conference room. It saves on the plug in time, which is not much.
So a bit of buyer's remorse on this one. When it works as intended and you don't find it useful, in retrospect it seems obvious this was not for us.
What makes you think AirPower could function as a Homekit Hub? Just because it has an A chip doesn’t mean it’s running iOS. What makes you think this thing is going to be cheaper than an ATV?