14 DAY TRIAL // Apple’s spring 2018 hardware refresh, which could include the overly-discussed iPhone SE 2, is likely to bring to the market the AirPower charging mat as well, according to a new report.
Macotakara, which has a good track on Apple info, says the Cupertino-based tech giant plans to launch AirPower in March, though it’s not clear for the moment if the firm still wants to make the news public during a press event or simply begin selling the device.
The report says AirPower will become available at both Apple Stores and retailers like Best Buy, and customers will also be allowed to purchase it online.
AirPower is a charging mat that was announced by Apple on the sidelines of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X unveiling last fall, and the company promised a 2018 launch without sharing any other specifics. The device can recharge products like the iPhone (models which support wireless charging), Apple Watch, and AirPods, all at the same time.
Expensive wireless charger
iPhone 8 and iPhone X are the first iPhone models that come with wireless charging. For this generation, Apple replaced the metal body with glass in other to allow for wireless charging, and AirPower is specifically aimed at customers of its latest-generation phones.
While no specifics were provided, it’ll be interesting to see if AirPower offers faster charging on the iPhone than the typical Qi mats.
What the report does not include, however, is pricing for the AirPower. Speculation in this regard indicated that Apple wanted to sell the charging mat for approximately $199, while people familiar with the matter said a $149 price tag is more likely. By the looks of things, AirPower will be more expensive than the typical universal charging mat, but Apple hopes it’ll sell thanks to multiple device support for its latest-generation products.
More information should be provided in the coming weeks as we get closer to the rumored launch of the AirPower, but in the meantime, take everything with a healthy dose of skepticism.