Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
MacBook Pro Updates
AirPods Wireless Charging Case Said to Work With Any Qi-Certified Charging Mat
At its iPhone X event last September, Apple previewed a new wireless charging case for AirPods, for use with its upcoming AirPower charging mat. The new case looks similar to the current version, which charges via Lightning cable, but it has a built-in induction coil that also enables wireless charging.
Conveniently, it appears that the AirPower won't be the only way to wirelessly charge AirPods placed in the new case.
Chinese publication Chongdiantou, citing unnamed sources within Apple's supply chain, claims that the wireless AirPods case supports the Wireless Power Consortium's universal Qi standard, implying that it will be compatible with any Qi-certified charging mat from companies beyond Apple.
This would differ from the Apple Watch, which uses a modified version of the Qi standard that only works with Apple's official magnetic charging cable and dock, and MFi-certified third-party docks with magnetic chargers. (Apple Watch Series 3 models technically work with select non-MFi chargers too.)
Chongdiantou has made headlines recently after leaking photos of what is claimed to be an engineering prototype of Apple's new 18-watt USB-C power adapter for 2018 iPhones. The website, citing unnamed industry insiders, also claimed that the AirPower should be released this September for around $149 in the United States. Overall, the publication lacks an established track record.
According to Bloomberg, Apple aims to release the AirPower by the end of September, so there's a good chance its pricing and availability will be detailed at Apple's usual iPhone event next month, which hasn't been announced yet. The wireless AirPods charging case should be released simultaneously with the AirPower.
Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller said the wireless charging case will be optional, so customers with the original AirPods will be able to purchase it separately. Pricing has not been disclosed. Apple is also expected to announce second-generation AirPods with "Hey Siri" support at its September event, but it's unclear if the wireless charging case will be standard, or also be optional for those.
AirPower can charge multiple devices at once, including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, Apple Watch Series 3 models, and AirPods placed in the new wireless charging case. Apple said it would work to have its proprietary technology become part of the universal Qi standard supported by many companies.
Conveniently, it appears that the AirPower won't be the only way to wirelessly charge AirPods placed in the new case.
Chinese publication Chongdiantou, citing unnamed sources within Apple's supply chain, claims that the wireless AirPods case supports the Wireless Power Consortium's universal Qi standard, implying that it will be compatible with any Qi-certified charging mat from companies beyond Apple.
This would differ from the Apple Watch, which uses a modified version of the Qi standard that only works with Apple's official magnetic charging cable and dock, and MFi-certified third-party docks with magnetic chargers. (Apple Watch Series 3 models technically work with select non-MFi chargers too.)
Chongdiantou has made headlines recently after leaking photos of what is claimed to be an engineering prototype of Apple's new 18-watt USB-C power adapter for 2018 iPhones. The website, citing unnamed industry insiders, also claimed that the AirPower should be released this September for around $149 in the United States. Overall, the publication lacks an established track record.
According to Bloomberg, Apple aims to release the AirPower by the end of September, so there's a good chance its pricing and availability will be detailed at Apple's usual iPhone event next month, which hasn't been announced yet. The wireless AirPods charging case should be released simultaneously with the AirPower.
Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller said the wireless charging case will be optional, so customers with the original AirPods will be able to purchase it separately. Pricing has not been disclosed. Apple is also expected to announce second-generation AirPods with "Hey Siri" support at its September event, but it's unclear if the wireless charging case will be standard, or also be optional for those.
AirPower can charge multiple devices at once, including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, Apple Watch Series 3 models, and AirPods placed in the new wireless charging case. Apple said it would work to have its proprietary technology become part of the universal Qi standard supported by many companies.
Related Roundup: AirPods 2
Tags: AirPower Guide, AirPods Guide
Buyer's Guide: AirPods (Buy Now)
[ 54 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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10 months ago
Can you imagine if iPhone or iPad only worked with Apple-branded USB adapters?
AirPods should work with any Qi-Certified charging mat. It's a bit crazy we've come to expect Apple wireless charging to NOT be compatible with third-party chargers.
AirPods should work with any Qi-Certified charging mat. It's a bit crazy we've come to expect Apple wireless charging to NOT be compatible with third-party chargers.
10 months ago
What I hate about my Airpods are they don’t synch automatically between iPad and iPhone. I always have to into setting and reconnect. If Bluetooth is always on they should always connect instantly. It seems once you connect to one device it disconnects from the other device and you have to reconnect. It’s not a good user experience. Airpods should automatically know Apple products and just connect.
10 months ago
LOL!
An accessory charging mat announced a year ahead of time... still yet to be released. What's the deal?
This shows how challenging tech products really are. Announced a year back and still yet to ship.
Then you either didn’t pay attention or watch the September 2017 Keynote, because Phil Schiller stated directly when they announced the Airpower “To watch for it in 2018”. There Is plenty of time for it to launch. Let’s wait a few weeks to see what September holds.
10 months ago
LOL!
An accessory charging mat announced a year ahead of time... still yet to be released. What's the deal?
An accessory charging mat announced a year ahead of time... still yet to be released. What's the deal?
10 months ago
What I hate about my Airpods are they don’t synch automatically between iPad and iPhone. I always have to into setting and reconnect. If Bluetooth is always on they should always connect instantly. It seems once you connect to one device it disconnects from the other device and you have to reconnect. It’s not a good user experience. Airpods should automatically know Apple products and just connect.
But if I'm understanding you correctly, then the AirPods already do right now exactly what you are describing?You don't need to go into settings and go through the whole pairing process again. Thanks to the W1 chip, you can just jump into the audio output menu in Control Center from anywhere and select the AirPods there, as long as they are paired with another compatible Apple device on the same Apple ID and within Bluetooth vicinity. So the AirPods already work pretty much exactly how you describe, if you pair them to one Apple product they are automatically paired to all of your Apple products and must only be selected as an audio output.
10 months ago
What I hate about my Airpods are they don’t synch automatically between iPad and iPhone. I always have to into setting and reconnect. If Bluetooth is always on they should always connect instantly. It seems once you connect to one device it disconnects from the other device and you have to reconnect. It’s not a good user experience. Airpods should automatically know Apple products and just connect.
If you mean you have to re-pair them, then something is wrong. But you do need to reconnect to whatever device you are listening to via airplay. Otherwise how would it know which device you intend to listen to?
10 months ago
Anyone else notice that convenience type features and products always seem pretty expensive for the utility that they provide over conventional means? Idk if it's just me, or if there are hidden premiums behind convenience based products, vs. actual innovation (revolution vs evolution)
10 months ago
That’s actually good news, because there are those who probably won’t purchase the AirPower if the Price point is too high or they don’t have a need to simultaneously charge multiple devices at once. Allowing the Airpods to charge via other Qi charging mats allow the Airpod case without being tethered only to the Airpower.
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