A few days ago, we heard that Apple is working on a new AirPower prototype which is currently in testing phase. Now we have a concept design of the alleged device. Tech analyst Jon Prosser has shared an AirPower design concept as an oblong shaped charging mat which will be in Apple’s iconic white color tone. Basing his concept on Apple’s internal prototype, he shared that its internal codename is “C68” for now.
The expected release time frame of the new AirPower is by the end of this year, Q4 2020 or Q1 2021. Apple might retail the new power mat for $250. AirPower will support wireless charging for AirPods, iPhone and most interestingly, Apple Watch. The fate of the older shelved AirPower model was sealed by its inability to maintain heat when charging Apple Watch with other devices. Apple Watch has proprietary charging tech instead of standard Qi charging tech, which requires more power to charge than Qi wireless charging. This resulted in overheating and even explosion with the previous internal AirPower prototype. Therefore, back in the days Apple stopped working on the device when it could not resolve its heat management issues.
Here’s my concept of “C68”
Apple’s most current internal prototype.– Fewer coils, with less overlap
– A11 chip inside to manage heat
– Lightning cable on right side
(Though I’d expect that to change on the retail models)If they pull it off — expected Q4 2020 / Q1 2021
~ $250 pic.twitter.com/sjViqjn0As
— Jon Prosser (@jon_prosser) April 13, 2020
However, this time, with advanced engineering the results might be different. Leaks claim that to dynamically manage heat, Apple is using A11 processing chip and fewer coils. The coils will have the ability to route power in the regions of need in the new AirPower, and will wait for the temperature to reach a normal range before generating more power. This means that all devices, including Apple Watch, iPhone and AirPods, will charge simultaneously without overheating.
The concept design has the mat’s Lightning power outlet on the right side, which might be subject to change in the final model. The “C68” concept name is based on Apple’s internal code used for the device by the ‘sharing and proximity’ team.
It is about time Apple ships a native wireless charing device. Other mid-range mobile companies and third party devices have beat Apple in this race. OnePlus is working on 30W wireless charing, and Pitaka has excellent magnetic wireless charging solutions for Apple’s devices. I for one, who will love to get rid of all the cables, am waiting eagerly for AirPower to not only detangle, but also to charge all devices together in one place.
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