Apple’s AirPower may not be dead after all: Packaging for new AirPods headphones teases the long-awaited charging mat
- Packaging on the AirPods 2 shows a diagram of Apple’s long-awaited AirPower
- It also says the AirPods wireless charging case is compatible with the device
- Apple hasn’t discussed the AirPower publicly since its launch in September 2017
20
View
comments
Apple’s AirPower has been seen out in the wild.
Not the actual device, but at least a diagram of the missing-in-action wireless charging pad, according to MacRumors.
A user reported to the Apple-focused news site that they purchased a pair of the iPhone maker’s new AirPods 2 and when they inspected the packaging, lo and behold, there was a reference to the AirPower.
Scroll down for video
Apple hasn’t discussed AirPower (pictured) publicly since it was first announced in September 2017. Since then, media outlets and industry experts have devised theories around its fate
HOW WOULD AIRPOWER WORK?
AirPower is based on the Qi charging standard, which powers wireless chargers for Android and iOS smartphones alike.
However, Apple claimed to have added a number of software features to improve the wireless charging experience when used with its iPhone and Watch products.
AirPower is expected to include a custom Apple chip that runs a stripped-down version of the iOS operating system to conduct on-device power management and pairing with devices that are placed on the charging mat.
Apple hasn’t discussed the AirPower publicly since it was first announced in September 2017.
Since then, media outlets and industry experts have speculated about when Apple will finally release its much-anticipated charging accessory, while gadget fans have developed theories that the AirPower will never actually see the light of day.
But the sighting on Apple’s AirPods 2 packaging drums up renewed interest in the illusive charging mat.
On the back of the AirPods 2 packaging, there’s a diagram instructing users that they can place their AirPods in the wireless charging case, which can then be charged by laying it on top of what appears to be the AirPower.
Additionally, another Twitter user posted an alternate view of the packaging, which makes a reference to the AirPower.
-
The birth of a ‘Great Dark Spot’: Hubble captures bright… Facebook removes thousands of fake accounts and Instagram… Ford launches a ‘mild-HYBRID’ version of its best-selling… Huawei FINALLY reveals its flagship P30 Pro handset with…
Share this article
The AirPods 2 packaging shows a diagram instructing users that they can place their AirPods in a charging case, which can then laid on top of what appears to be the AirPower
When the packaging is flipped on its side, there’s a list of compatible devices, among which it lists the AirPower.
‘Compatible with iOS device, Apple Watch, or Mac with the latest software. Works with AirPower mat and Qi-certified chargers,’ the AirPods 2 packaging reads.
Several other users who purchased the new AirPods or the wireless charging case also confirmed to MacRumors that the AirPower is pictured on the back of the packaging.
The sighting comes after other eagle-eyed consumers spotted a reference to the AirPower in the packaging of the iPhone XS.
Twitter user Gavin Stevens shared an image from the ‘Getting Started Guide’ that comes with the iPhone XS.
It reads: ‘Place iPhone with screen facing up on AirPower or a Qi-certified wireless charger.
‘You can also use the Lightning connector to charge iPhone and connect accessories.’
This suggests that Apple is still actively working on the device.
Another Twitter user posted an alternate view of the packaging, which makes a reference to the AirPower. It includes a list of compatible devices, among which is the AirPower mat
Eagle-eyed recipients have spotted references to the wireless charging mat inside the packaging for the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max
Many wondered whether or not Apple would release the AirPower this week to cap off a blitz of product announcements.
Leading up to its Services-focused event on Monday, the firm released a new iPad Mini, second-generation AirPods, two new models of the iMac with upgraded components and a 10.5-inch iPad Air.
However, with the product yet to debut, it’s likely that Apple will wait until its Worldwide Developers Conference in June or, even later still, its annual September event.
Apple has reportedly struggled to ship the AirPower as a result of some design and manufacturing complications.
The firm has struggled to make the charging mat because it’s supposed to charge three different products at once – an iPhone, an Apple Watch and its wireless AirPods headphones, Bloomberg said.
Engineers have also been working to make sure the product doesn’t overheat.
They’ve also been trying to navigate challenges associated with AirPower’s complex circuitry, which they hope will allow the user to charge a device no matter where you place a device on the pad, according to Bloomberg.
Source: Read Full Article