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Third Report Says Apple's AirPower Charging Mat Will Launch in March
Apple's new AirPower inductive charging mat will be released by the end of March, according to Taiwanese website DigiTimes.
The report, citing industry sources, claims the AirPower will have a maximum charging performance of up to 29 watts, compared to 7.5 watts for single-device wireless charging pads like the Belkin Boost Up and the Mophie Wireless Charging Base for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
Apple said the AirPower will be released in 2018, but it hasn't provided an exact release date or pricing. Apple blogs Mac Otakara and The Apple Post also reported that the charging mat will be released in March, which is a common month for Apple to introduce new products, including a new 9.7-inch iPad last year.
AirPower is an oval-shaped accessory that can inductively charge multiple Apple devices at once, including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and Apple Watch Series 3 models. It will also be able to charge AirPods when they are placed in a new inductive charging case set to launch alongside AirPower.
The mat's ability to charge multiple devices will be achieved with a propriety technology developed by Apple. Apple said it will work to have its technology become part of the universal Qi standard supported by the latest iPhones.
It's still unclear if Apple will announce the AirPower's availability at a March event alongside other new products, via press release, or quietly with an update to its online store. If there is an event planned, Apple will likely send invitations to the media by Thursday at the absolute latest.
The report, citing industry sources, claims the AirPower will have a maximum charging performance of up to 29 watts, compared to 7.5 watts for single-device wireless charging pads like the Belkin Boost Up and the Mophie Wireless Charging Base for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X.
Apple said the AirPower will be released in 2018, but it hasn't provided an exact release date or pricing. Apple blogs Mac Otakara and The Apple Post also reported that the charging mat will be released in March, which is a common month for Apple to introduce new products, including a new 9.7-inch iPad last year.
AirPower is an oval-shaped accessory that can inductively charge multiple Apple devices at once, including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and Apple Watch Series 3 models. It will also be able to charge AirPods when they are placed in a new inductive charging case set to launch alongside AirPower.
The mat's ability to charge multiple devices will be achieved with a propriety technology developed by Apple. Apple said it will work to have its technology become part of the universal Qi standard supported by the latest iPhones.
It's still unclear if Apple will announce the AirPower's availability at a March event alongside other new products, via press release, or quietly with an update to its online store. If there is an event planned, Apple will likely send invitations to the media by Thursday at the absolute latest.
Tags: digitimes.com, AirPower
[ 164 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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6 weeks ago
I can't believe we are so starved for cool new products that there is excitement over a charging mat.
6 weeks ago
If the price point is around $200, I can’t justify the price point for a wireless charger for an iPhone X or 8 unless someone has the Series 3 Apple and the wireless Airpod charging battery case . That’s honestly to high for a wireless charging unit.
6 weeks ago
You really think people who have a iPhone X and a new Apple watch care about money or the difference between 100 and 200 dollars?
Yes!
I have an X and an AW and there is no way I'd pay $200 for a charging pad.. I am sure some will but my guess is there won't be many buyers at that price.
6 weeks ago
Yes!
I have an X and an AW and there is no way I'd pay $200 for a charging pad.. I am sure some will but my guess is there won't be many buyers at that price.
I do think they care. Just because someone has an iPhone X and Apple Watch Series 3 doesn’t mean they’re willing to spend $200 on a charging mat. Consumers are not going to find that price point attractive no matter how you spin this. Are there those who will purchase this? Yes. But there are other alternatives to charge your iPhone X for cheaper on the market if someone wanted it.
Yep yep, I have the AW 3 and an iPhone 8+.
I have 2 $10 wireless chargers (one a stand) on Amazon. I recently <cringed> and bought another Apple Watch charging cable for my office so my watch can be charged at work and home if I so want. Wireless charger for phone at home and work.
Total paid: ~$10 + ~$10 + $29 = $49 give or take a few bucks for tax.
No way in hell I'd pay $150 or $200 for this especially now.
6 weeks ago
You really think people who have a iPhone X and a new Apple watch care about money or the difference between 100 and 200 dollars?
I do think they care. Just because someone has an iPhone X and Apple Watch Series 3 doesn’t mean they’re willing to spend $200 on a charging mat. Consumers are not going to find that price point attractive no matter how you spin this. Are there those who will purchase this? Yes. But there are other alternatives to charge your iPhone X for cheaper on the market if someone wanted it.
6 weeks ago
Charging mats are not 10 dollars, maybe from crappy Chinese outlets (but you shouldn't want those in your home), from brands like Belkin/RavPower/Anker it's more like 30 to 60 dollars.
So a triple pad (which this basically is) with new technology is never gonna be 50 dollars (be a bit realistic dude, for 50 dollars the whole world would buy it, because it would be incredibly cheap).
100-150 dollars would be a fair price, so knowing Apple it's gonna be 250, maybe 200 if they're feeling generous.
6 weeks ago
Apple is reaching at $200.00. As a convenience item, i'm in at $75.00 to $100.00.Most of my devices are charged at work throughout the day including my watch. I love apple, but sometimes they go to far - how can a charging pad cost the be just 129.00 less than a new iPad? I'll wait for a licensed 3rd party product.
6 weeks ago
I can't believe we are so starved for cool new products that there is excitement over a charging mat.
As an Apple fan, a charging mat really doesn’t ‘excite’ me. I see the convenience without using a wire. But I personally like to use my iPhone while charging. I just don’t need to have my iPhone stationary on a mat to charge. It’s just not a product specifically for me at this alleged price point.
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