Apple's AirPower wireless charging mat looks like it's arriving very soon
More signs that Apple is preparing to release the AirPower charging mat have surfaced, after changes to references in how wireless charging were found in the sixth iOS 12.2 developer beta mentioned the charging of multiple devices simultaneously.
AirPower, Apple's long-delayed wireless charging mat capable of recharging up to three devices at the same time, is speculated to arrive in the first half of 2019 at some point. While not confirmed as arriving soon by Apple itself, there are more indications that Apple is building support for the accessory into its products.
It is currently believed that an iPhone charging on the AirPower mat will show a 3D animation of all devices on the mat on its display, including indicators for charging status when they start recharging. References in the wireless charging section of the operating system's code in the sixth iOS 12.2 developer beta have been found to enable the graphics.
References to AirPower in the sixth iOS 12.2 developer beta
Apple typically includes changes to code in its betas to enable future features as part of its testing process, and sometimes this includes supporting unannounced devices. The change, reported by 9to5Mac, is probably one of the clearest signs AirPower is on the way, and potentially quite soon.
As to when it would actually be launched, it is probable that Apple will not ship AirPower before it releases iOS 12.2 to the public. As the developer beta has reached its sixth generation of builds, it's possible to happen within days, or the next few weeks.
AirPower has had a rocky journey to its release, following Apple's initial unveiling of it in December 2017 and claims it would launch in 2018. Rumors pointed to a release in March, but to no avail, which then turned into a September launch that also didn't happen.
In September, Apple seemingly wiped almost all mentions of AirPower from its website, leading to speculation it was either delayed or abandoned altogether. There were suggestions Apple had trouble implementing the technology to enable multi-device charging while remaining within the Qi standard, but the supply chain and rumors started back up again saying the project wasn't cancelled at all.
AirPower, Apple's long-delayed wireless charging mat capable of recharging up to three devices at the same time, is speculated to arrive in the first half of 2019 at some point. While not confirmed as arriving soon by Apple itself, there are more indications that Apple is building support for the accessory into its products.
It is currently believed that an iPhone charging on the AirPower mat will show a 3D animation of all devices on the mat on its display, including indicators for charging status when they start recharging. References in the wireless charging section of the operating system's code in the sixth iOS 12.2 developer beta have been found to enable the graphics.
References to AirPower in the sixth iOS 12.2 developer beta
Apple typically includes changes to code in its betas to enable future features as part of its testing process, and sometimes this includes supporting unannounced devices. The change, reported by 9to5Mac, is probably one of the clearest signs AirPower is on the way, and potentially quite soon.
As to when it would actually be launched, it is probable that Apple will not ship AirPower before it releases iOS 12.2 to the public. As the developer beta has reached its sixth generation of builds, it's possible to happen within days, or the next few weeks.
AirPower has had a rocky journey to its release, following Apple's initial unveiling of it in December 2017 and claims it would launch in 2018. Rumors pointed to a release in March, but to no avail, which then turned into a September launch that also didn't happen.
In September, Apple seemingly wiped almost all mentions of AirPower from its website, leading to speculation it was either delayed or abandoned altogether. There were suggestions Apple had trouble implementing the technology to enable multi-device charging while remaining within the Qi standard, but the supply chain and rumors started back up again saying the project wasn't cancelled at all.
Comments
Solving the placement issue would be huge. My son gave me his old Belkin mat. The phone would buzz and the screen would come on when you placed it on the mat, but if it wasn't placed just right it would not charge. The first week I used it I had a case where my phone wasn't charged when I woke up because I had either bumped the phone or it wasn't placed perfectly. After it happened the 2nd time I went back to the lightning cable. Cheaper, faster, more reliable, more efficient.
But then ... out of the curtains comes ‘one more thing’ ... the much anticipated ... wait for it ... Apple charging pad. There are loud cheers, but unfortunately also a few smirks.
As the house lights come on there is a pause - and Lord Tim Cook holds up his index finger - could it be ‘one more, one more thing’?There is a puzzled, yet excited look on the faces of everyone in attendance - as if the stars had aligned in the heavens just for this Apple announcement ... a cosmic punctuation mark, if you will ... One of the most anticipated products ever is unveiled ... Apple AirPods 2 (with new 7nm W3 silicon inside) ... yes, yes you heard that right ... the crowd goes wild ... audience members start high-fiving each other... a few people actually feint! There is - but for a moment - world peace.
But sadly, Warren Buffet is rushed to the hospital for chest pains after Apple stock hits a new 52-week high.
And the Fatman, who sits alone at his desk at work - taking a late 1:00pm lunch break to watch the event’s video feed (with volume turned low) - grins to himself. He will go home that evening and hug and kiss his wife and children knowing that his life is finally complete.