Apple stops working on AirPower charging mat, again

Apple got a lot of headlines back in 2017 not only for the ‘revolutionary’ iPhone X, which came with a new form factor, but also for the wireless charging mat called AirPower, which it showcased during the event. After quiet sometime, Apple did confirm that it is abandoning the entire AirPower project as it faced certain complications with overlapping charging coils. 

Earlier this year, tipster Jon Prosser cited sources and said that AirPower has once again gone into development. This did give some home to users that Apple may have solved the coil issue since the product has re-entered production. But now, the same tipster says that AirPower production has stopped once again.

Also read: Apple’s new MagSafe charger for iPhones: Tech, prices, compatibility and more explained

As per the tweet by Prosser, “All AirPower prototyping / testing has been removed from the schedule for 2021.” Citing sources, he adds that Apple might not take up this project ever again considering the project has been shut for the second time in past few years. Instead, it is being assumed that the arrival of AirPower mat will coincide with Apple’s MagSafe tech, which has given birth to a new ecosystem of accessories in itself. 

In addition, we already have accessories from Belkin and others who have come up with products that have three MagSafe docks in them. So, it might just replace AirPower in future.

Also read: What's the deal with Apple's foldable MagSafe charger? Another 'AirPower' moment for the company

Since the ‘Mag’ in MagSafe is ‘Magnets’, the charger automatically sticks to the area and starts charging. You may have seen this tech in Apple Watch chargers. And you won’t be spoiling the Lightning port as well by using it daily.

While it makes things easier for people, the MagSafe Wireless charging tech is limited to 15W charging. That’s a lot faster than Apple iPhones’ typical 5W charger but still doesn’t use the full potential of the iPhone. It is worth adding that the new iPhones can support 20W fast charging but you need to buy a separate charger for that.