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Apple has reportedly solved the AirPower overheating problem

The original and never released AirPower wireless charging mat

Last updated

A new product leak claims that the Apple AirPower "C68" project has resolved the problem with the Apple Watch causing drastic overheating of the three-device charging pad.

A new leak from Jon Prosser claims to show an Apple Watch being charged on a "C68," the codename for an AirPower wireless charging plate. It's significant because it suggests that Apple has resolved the key overheating issue that is believed to be why the AirPower project was previously cancelled.

Previously, Apple refused to explain why it had cancelled its long-delayed AirPower product. Instead, Senior Vice President Dan Riccio just made a brief statement to AppleInsider and other publications in March 2019.

"After much effort, we've concluded AirPower will not achieve our high standards and we have cancelled the project," he said. "We apologize to those customers who were looking forward to this launch. We continue to believe that the future is wireless and are committed to push the wireless experience forward."

Subsequently, Prosser reported that it was due to overheating — and overheating to the point of combustion. The Apple Watch's proprietary wireless charging system required more energy than other devices.

AirPower was supposed to allow you to place multiple devices — such as Apple Watch, iPhone, and AirPods — anywhere on its surface and be charged. However, according to Prosser, "if you placed an Apple Watch on the mat alongside other devices, the entire mat would overheat."

Prosser had reported that the "C68" prototype devices under test earlier this year had added an A11 processor in order to manage heat. He says that those prototypes wouldn't support the Apple Watch, and now they do.



24 Comments

pujones1 12 Years · 222 comments

Alright Jerm. Thanks for the info. I’m looking forward to some AirPower goodness. Great job Apple engineers!!

redraider11 9 Years · 186 comments

Already bought the Nomad version, so too late. I don’t understand a solution that doesn’t allow the Apple Watch to be charged on its side to enable nightstand mode. Maybe Apple added that in this newer version, though. 

DAalseth 6 Years · 3067 comments

Tempted to say that ship has sailed, but we will see.

flydog 14 Years · 1141 comments

Already bought the Nomad version, so too late. I don’t understand a solution that doesn’t allow the Apple Watch to be charged on its side to enable nightstand mode. Maybe Apple added that in this newer version, though. 

There is no "Nomad version." Among the differences, AirPower has more than 20 charging coils, which allows placing iPhones, AirPods, and Apple Watches anywhere on the pad for charging.  Nomad has three coils, and the device has to be placed exactly on that coil.  AirPower also allows monitoring charging state for any device on any other device.