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What Happened to Apple AirPower? Why Was It Cancelled?

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Apple
  • Discover the hidden reasons Apple had to scrap its revolutionary AirPower charger.
  • A rare prototype surfaces, offering a glimpse into what could have been.
  • Overheating issues doomed AirPower despite its groundbreaking multi-device design.

The Promise and Demise of AirPower

In March 2019, Apple officially shelved its much-anticipated AirPower wireless charger, citing insurmountable technical challenges. Initially unveiled in September 2017, AirPower was envisioned as a revolutionary charging mat capable of simultaneously powering an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods without the need for precise placement. However, persistent overheating issues ultimately led to its cancellation, leaving enthusiasts and competitors to speculate on what could have been.The Apple AirPower had great promise, but it ultimately failed to ship.Photo via Reuters // The Apple AirPower had great promise, but it ultimately failed to ship.

A Glimpse into the Prototype

Recently, a breakthrough emerged when Giulio Zompetti, a 28-year-old Italian prototype collector, acquired a working AirPower unit from Chinese e-waste sources. Speaking to The Verge, Zompetti revealed, “The unit lacks all of its exterior housing, and shows this beautiful and heavy stainless steel chassis.” Photos provided by Zompetti showcase the intricate design of the charger, featuring 22 coils on the front and 22 controller circuits on the rear.

However, the prototype requires pairing with specialized hardware to function. “It doesn’t work with production devices, because the coils are woken up by the device,” Zompetti explained. Despite these limitations, he successfully charged two prototype devices simultaneously, highlighting the unit’s potential despite its incomplete state.A look inside a prototype of Apple's unreleased AirPower.Photo via The Verge // A look inside a prototype of Apple's unreleased AirPower.

Apple's AirPower prototype is extremely complex inside, potentially hinting at why it was cancelled.Photo via The Verge // Apple's AirPower prototype is extremely complex inside, potentially hinting at why it was cancelled.

Overheating Concerns: The Fatal Flaw

One of the primary reasons for AirPower’s cancellation was its inability to manage heat effectively. Apple leaker Kosutami shared images and videos demonstrating severe overheating, where the charger melted an AirPods Pro case, causing the plastic shell to blister. This issue was a critical blow to the project, as the excess heat posed significant safety risks.

Kosutami noted, “The version they tested got so hot that it started to melt their AirPods Pro case,” corroborating earlier reports about Apple’s struggles with the device’s thermal management. These overheating problems made it clear that Apple could not meet its high standards for product safety and reliability.

From AirPower to MagSafe: A Shift in Strategy

After abandoning AirPower, Apple pivoted to the MagSafe technology, introduced alongside the iPhone 12 in 2020. Unlike AirPower’s universal charging approach, MagSafe utilizes magnets to ensure precise alignment with compatible devices. Recent revelations by prototype collector Kosutami San have shown that the initial MagSafe prototypes from 2017 were markedly different from the final product, being thinner and featuring a different magnet arrangement.

“This isn't the MagSafe we know today,” San commented, highlighting the evolution from the original AirPower-integrated design to the more focused MagSafe charger. While MagSafe has been successful, it does not offer the multi-device charging capability that AirPower promised.The iPhone 12 was introduced by Apple in 2020, alongside a new iteration of wireless charging for iPhone called MagSafe.Photo via Apple Inc. // The iPhone 12 was introduced by Apple in 2020, alongside a new iteration of wireless charging for iPhone called MagSafe.

The Collector’s Journey

Giulio Zompetti’s passion for Apple prototypes extends beyond AirPower. Since March 2018, he has amassed a collection of around 35 units, including rare iPhone and iPod prototypes. “It became my main passion since then to find the most good looking prototypes,” Zompetti shared. His dedication has involved collaborating with engineers to repair and revive outdated devices, making his recent acquisition of a working AirPower prototype a significant milestone.

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

AirPower’s failure opened the door for competitors to innovate in the multi-device charging space. Samsung, for instance, introduced the Galaxy S10’s ability to wirelessly charge multiple devices, including another phone. Additionally, accessory makers like Nomad have launched multi-device charging pads, catering to the demand AirPower could not fulfill.

Despite its cancellation, there remains a slim possibility that Apple might revisit the concept in the future. However, given the challenges faced and Apple’s strategic shift towards MagSafe and Qi2 wireless standards, any revival would likely take a different approach.

Conclusion

Apple’s AirPower charger remains a testament to the company’s ambitious vision and the challenges inherent in pioneering new technology. While the project ultimately fell short, the insights gained have influenced subsequent innovations like MagSafe. As the wireless charging landscape continues to evolve, the legacy of AirPower serves as both a lesson and an inspiration for future developments.

Recommended by the editors:

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Published to Apple Scoop on 21st October, 2024.
Luke Everett

Luke Everett

Lead Technology Journalist

Luke Everett is Apple Scoop’s Lead Technology Journalist with 7 years of experience reporting on Apple hardware, software, and breaking news. Known for his investigative insights and in-depth analysis, Luke covers everything from major Apple keynotes to the latest rumors in the industry, helping readers stay ahead of the curve.

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