Apple’s Long-Awaited AirPower Launch Hinted by iOS 12 Beta

Apple’s AirPower charging mat could finally be available for purchase. The device was first announced back in September 2017, and it was originally expected to launch sometime in early 2018. That did not happen due to technical hurdles, and the whole of 2018 passed without Apple even mentioning anything about the AirPower. We then learnt earlier this year that AirPower finally entered production, and a latest iOS 12 beta suggests the release of the charging mat could be just around the corner.

According to 9to5Mac, iOS 12.2’s developer beta 6 includes significant changes to the components responsible for charging. The publication reports that there’s code used to identify when two devices are charging on the same mat at the same time. So it seems like Apple has readied the software required for AirPower and the special UI that you see for charging on the iPhone in the picture above.

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And with Apple launching a bunch of hardware this week ahead of its services-focused event, don’t be surprised if Apple ends up launching the new AirPower sometime this week. The company already announced two new iPads on Monday, new iMac upgrades today, and if that wasn’t enough, more hardware — including a new iPod Touch — is expected to come out later this week. And that could include the new AirPods 2 with a wireless charging case (that work with the AirPower), and the AirPower itself.

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Conversation 7 comments

  • dontbe evil

    19 March, 2019 - 2:57 pm

    <p>ROTFL</p>

    • blackcomb

      20 March, 2019 - 3:14 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#413791">In reply to dontbe_evil:</a></em></blockquote><p>Can't innovate my ass!!!</p>

  • jedwards87

    19 March, 2019 - 3:11 pm

    <p>Does anyone care at this point ? I was looking forward to it but not now. Too many other competing products from other companies that are as good if not better. And probably for far less. </p>

    • SvenJ

      19 March, 2019 - 6:36 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#413794"><em>In reply to jedwards87:</em></a><em> </em>The only unique feature of this thing seems to be the ability to charge the watch, presumably anywhere on the surface. There are a few things that will charge the watch, and something else, but the placement is defined, or it requires you provide your own (Apple) watch charger and fit it in. This is of course directly a result of Apple resorting to sorta-Qi for the watch. I think the cost of this thing is going to be the make or break point. I'd pay up to $100 I think, but then, I bought a Pixel Stand from Google for $80, so I have a history of being forgiving. It looks like it would be a nice travel asset, limiting the assortment of charging devices required, if you have a phone, or two, and a watch, or two, and airpods, or two. Wonder if you can charge two watches at a time. Guess we'll see Soon™.</blockquote><p><br></p>

  • MikeGalos

    19 March, 2019 - 3:55 pm

    <p>Seems like you kind of need to have the architecture defined before you actually announce your vaporware. Them doing software support now means they didn't even design it until months after announcement.</p>

  • clowg

    Premium Member
    19 March, 2019 - 6:04 pm

    <p>The Apple PowerByProxi guys that build the AirPower work in my office building, and it's fair to say that whenever I see them in the lift they look pretty stressed. Not a lot of smiles coming from that small part of Apple.</p>

  • locust infested orchard inc

    19 March, 2019 - 7:40 pm

    <blockquote><a href="https://www.thurrott.com/apple/203291/apples-long-awaited-airpower-launch-hinted-by-ios-12-beta#413804&quot; target="_blank"><em>Article headline, "Apple's long-awaited AirPower…"</em></a></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Burp, burrp, burrrrp. Pardon me. Please do excuse my indiscretions, but if it's any consolation, it's way better than the iFartPower hinted by iØS 12.</p>

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