Mikey Campbell
Backing up rumors that Apple's long delayed AirPower wireless charging mat has entered mass manufacturing, a report on Tuesday claims the device is in production ahead of a launch date sometime in 2019.
Citing sources with knowledge of Apple's supply chain, DigiTimes says wireless chip manufacturers are expecting a boost in parts orders when AirPower becomes available later this year.
The report claims Lite-On Semiconductor began shipping glass passivated package (GPP) bridge rectifiers for use in the assembly of finalized AirPower units more than a year ago. Orders for the component remain "insignificant" but steady, though volumes are expected to greatly increase later this year when the device goes up for sale, sources said.
DigiTimes has in the past provided reliable information on parts delivery timelines pertaining to specific Asian suppliers, but the publication has a mixed track record when it comes to Apple's product wider launch plans. As such, AppleInsider is unable to vouch for the veracity of today's report.
The new information lines up with a recent rumor claiming existing Apple supplier Luxshare Precision initiated AirPower production in early January. Exact details of the production run, including when the device will hit store shelves and in what quantities, remains unknown.
Apple announced AirPower alongside iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X in 2017, marketing the device as an all-in-one power delivery solution for the company's portable products. The wireless charger incorporates in-house developed technology that enables simultaneous charging of multiple devices including Qi-compliant iPhones, Apple Watch and an as-yet-unreleased AirPods wireless charging case.
Expected to launch with iPhone XS and XR last year, AirPower ultimately missed a slated 2018 release. Rumors at the time pinned the delay on unforeseen heat and interference issues.
Apple has remained mum on the product's fate and the company scrubbed nearly all mention of AirPower from its website last September following its annual iPhone event.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
10 Comments
A charging mat.
It's a little thing, but once you've tried just laying your devices down at night to charge, you'll never want to go back to fiddling with cables!
Best.
1. Allow an internal battery so we can use AirPower anywhere wirelessly.
2. Rename it AirPad.
Then I will be interested in such device.
Fascinating that it was announced in September 2017(?) and we're still waiting.
I'm using a Belkin Boost Up which charges my watch and phone simultaneously. If Apple ever releases a wireless AirPods case, I'd consider AirPower, except, I use Apple's stainless steel watchband with a butterfly clasp, so there is no way to lay it flat on the pad without taking off the band. The Boost Up has a USB port where you could probably plug in a small Qi pad for the air pods. I'd be more likely to take that route.