Apple may finally launch its AirPower wireless charging mat that it had announced last year, alongside the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. The charging pad, which is a Qi-compatible wireless charging accessory that allows users to charge multiple devices such as the Apple Watch, iPhone, and the optional wireless charging case for the AirPods, all at the same time. During the announcement, the company had hinted at a 2018 release and recent reports suggest the device may see the light of the day in March this year.
The Cupertino giant had launched the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X as the first smartphones from the company to support wireless charging. It even replaced its metal back with a glass one to enable the feature but has still not rolled out its own charging mat. However, as per Japanese website MacOtakara, Apple may finally launch its AirPower wireless charging mat in March this year, which means we might have to wait till the next month. Its possible that the report may have only revealed the US launch since it says that the device will be sold via Best Buy and Apple’s own stores.
The latest report on Apple AirPower echoes another one in The Apple Post earlier this month which had suggested a March release as well. However, this report had suggested that the standalone wireless charging case will be available through Apple stores only. This essentially means that the device may not be available through third-party retailers such as Best Buy.
It is also worth noting that Apple had filed a patent application last month reportedly lets users set up wireless charging transfers in a particular order so that their iPhone gets power first, followed by Apple Watch and then the iPad. Considering that AirPower charging pad supports wireless charging for multiple devices, which is not a common practice for other products in this category, charging your smartwatch, phone, and the earphones may never have been this simple.
Meanwhile, there is no clarity on the pricing details for AirPower. To note, a Polish retailer had listed the device on its portal, priced at PLN 999 (roughly Rs. 19,000). Also, the reports do not mention wireless AirPods charging cases, that were announced alongside AirPower in September 2017.
[“Source-gadgets.ndtv”]
