Apple discarded its AirPower wireless charging accessory a few years ago after the company failed to launch it due to severe technical issues. The accessory failed to see daylight, potentially due to overheating concerns, and while it was for the best, the AirPower did manage to create its initial hype. A new video has surfaced on the internet that aims to show the AirPower wireless accessory in action, charging the Apple Watch from one of its sixteen coils.
A short video shows Apple's AirPower prototype in action, charging the Apple Watch with unique animations
Apple announced its highly anticipated AirPower wireless charging mat in 2017 alongside the iPhone X with an intent to wirelessly charge multiple Apple products side by side. While the idea was pretty neat, it failed to be mass-produced or get out of the testing phase, as Apple constantly ran into production challenges, which ultimately led to its demise. However, users have wished for a similar product for a long time, but the company has remained silent on the matter as there is no word on whether Apple will reconsider launching the AirPower accessory for its products.
The AirPower was designed to wirelessly charge the iPhone, AirPods, and the Apple Watch with unique animations displayed on the iPhone. The iPhone would show charging information for all the products placed on the AirPower, so users would know when a certain device can be picked up. The charging animation was initially marketed in the company's campaign before its launch, and the general idea of the device was pretty neat, given the company did not release MagSafe technology for the iPhone. You can check out AirPower's charging animation in action below, but note that it is a prototype that never saw the light of day.
The video was shared by X user Apple Demo, who has revealed prototypes of various Apple products in the past. It shows the internals and wireless charging capabilities of the AirPower. He demonstrated the AirPower by placing a DVT prototype of the Apple Watch Series 4 on the edge of the wireless charging mat. It can be seen that the Apple Watch started charging with an animation that you would not find on the Apple Watch models in the market.
Prototype Apple AirPower with 16 coils (PROTO1) charging a Prototype Apple Watch Series 4 (DVT). It’s amazing that Apple Watch charging works, given wireless chargers today generally can’t charge Apple Watches. However, the Apple Watch on AirPower gets quite warm. #appleinternal pic.twitter.com/GfywG3KZS9
— Apple Demo (@AppleDemoYT) April 7, 2024
In terms of design, the AirPower was an oval wireless charging mat with 16 coils spread throughout the base. The coils would overlap each other to offer wireless charging capabilities anywhere on the accessory, which means that users would not have to adjust their iPhone, AirPower, or Apple Watch to find the perfect spot to charge. Users would have the option to place their device anywhere on the wireless charging mat, and it would be recognized.
It remains to be seen if Apple will bring back the AirPower wireless charging mat to its line of accessories, as some third-party accessories for the iPhone do support charging multiple devices at the same time. Do you think Apple should utilize its MagSafe technology to bring back the ability to charge multiple devices simultaneously?
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
