Discovering the reasons behind Apple’s decision to scrap the AirPower charging mat has been a mystery for many. However, a recent acquisition by well-known Apple leaker Kosutami sheds new light on the situation. This early prototype of the AirPower reveals severe thermal problems, including devices burning or melting when placed on the charging pad. With up to 15 charging coils and gaps between them, precise alignment was essential for successful and safe charging. Unfortunately, this requirement compromised the convenience that Apple had promised, leading them to develop the MagSafe technology instead. The AirPower’s hardware development seems to have been largely completed in 2017 or earlier, while software iterations failed to address overheating concerns. While Apple continues to explore AirPower-like charging solutions, it seems that the ill-fated AirPower mat’s demise was due to unresolved thermal issues.
Background
Introduction to AirPower
AirPower was an Apple-designed charging mat that was announced in September 2017 alongside the iPhone X. It was designed to charge Qi-based iPhones, the Apple Watch, and AirPods. The unique selling point of AirPower was its ability to charge multiple devices placed anywhere on the mat, thanks to the inclusion of multiple overlapping charging coils.
Features and Original Launch Date
One of the standout features of AirPower was its ability to prompt devices to display a unique on-screen iOS animation when placed on the charging mat. It also allowed an iPhone on the AirPower charger to show the charge of all devices placed on the pad. Originally scheduled for a 2018 launch, AirPower missed its target date due to numerous development issues.
Development Issues and Project Cancellation
AirPower faced significant engineering problems during its development, which ultimately led to the project’s cancellation in March 2019. The complex design with overlapping charging coils posed challenges in terms of heating and thermal management. Apple struggled to resolve these issues, resulting in the decision to abandon the AirPower project.
Emergence of AirPower Prototypes
Over the years, several AirPower prototypes have surfaced, providing a glimpse into the device’s development process. These prototypes showcase various iterations of the charging mat, with different coil designs and internal circuitry. However, most of these prototypes are no longer functional, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the product’s capabilities.
Kosutami’s AirPower Prototype
Description of the Prototype
Kosutami, a well-known Apple leaker and prototype collector, recently obtained an early version of the AirPower charging mat. This prototype features 15 charging coils, unlike later revisions that had up to 22 coils. It lacks the white exterior shell that was marketed by Apple, allowing for a clear view of its internal circuitry.
Operational Functionality
Unlike most other prototypes, Kosutami’s AirPower unit is largely operational, even when charging an Apple Watch. By aligning devices precisely with one of the charging coils, the AirPower charges steadily at a low voltage without experiencing noticeable thermal problems. However, improper placement can cause the charging mat to become extremely hot and even leave scorch marks on devices.
Thermal Problems and Device Damage
One of the major issues with AirPower prototypes, including Kosutami’s unit, is the heat generated during charging. Improper device placement can lead to excessive heating, posing a risk of damage to both the charging mat and the devices being charged. In the case of Kosutami’s AirPods Pro charging case, it began to melt when placed on the AirPower mat.
Challenges with Charging Coils
Attempts to Mitigate Overheating
Apple attempted to address the overheating issue by increasing the number of coils inside the AirPower. However, this approach proved to be counterproductive, as higher coil density only exacerbated the overheating problem. The company faced significant challenges in finding a solution that would avoid excessive heat generation without compromising the functionality of the charging mat.
Lack of Prototypes from Later Years
The absence of AirPower prototypes from 2018 and 2019 suggests that the device’s hardware was largely developed in 2017 or earlier. While software iterations continued, Apple struggled to overcome the persistent overheating issues. This lack of progress eventually led to the decision to cancel the AirPower project.
Software Iteration and Unresolved Issues
Although the hardware development of AirPower was largely halted, Apple continued to iterate on the software aspects of the charging mat. The goal was to find software-based solutions to the overheating problem. However, these efforts proved to be insufficient in resolving the underlying issues, ultimately contributing to the project’s cancellation.
Apple’s Future Charging Solutions
Rumors of Smaller Wireless Charger
In recent years, rumors have circulated about Apple’s work on a smaller wireless charger. However, these rumors appear to be more closely related to MagSafe or the MagSafe Duo charger, rather than AirPower. The focus seems to have shifted towards alternative charging solutions that offer improved functionality and convenience.
Focus on MagSafe Technology
Following the cancellation of AirPower, Apple turned its attention to MagSafe technology. MagSafe offers a magnetic charging solution that ensures proper alignment between the charger and the device. This technology provides a secure and efficient charging experience for various Apple devices, including iPhones and the Apple Watch.
Possible Future AirPower-Like Solutions
Despite the challenges faced with AirPower, Apple has not completely ruled out the possibility of developing AirPower-like charging solutions in the future. According to a report by reliable journalist Mark Gurman, Apple continues to explore new charging technologies that could potentially offer the convenience and versatility promised by AirPower.
In conclusion, the journey of AirPower was marked by ambitious goals and significant technical hurdles. While the project ultimately faced insurmountable challenges and was canceled, the prototypes that have emerged shed light on the complexities involved in creating a charging mat capable of seamlessly powering multiple devices. Apple’s focus has now shifted to technologies like MagSafe, which offer a more refined and reliable charging experience. However, the legacy of AirPower continues to inspire the company’s pursuit of innovative charging solutions for the future.
