Apple AirPower Release Date Looms As Overheating Problem Gets Solved

Apple's AirPower charging mat once excited many with its revolutionary idea: a mat that will charge up to three iDevices when placed anywhere on the mat. This device is different from other charging mats since it won't require users to place devices like iPhones and AirPods in designated spots in order to top up.

Apple, however, was forced to cancel the AirPower last year due to some technical problems, saying it didn't meet the company's “high standards.” Noted Apple leaker Jon Prosser revealed that the company was actually having trouble with overheating issues and that AirPower prototypes would get so hot when charging an Apple Watch that they could, “in most cases, combust.”

Now, it appears that Apple has found a way to deal with the AirPower's overheating problems when an Apple Watch is placed on it and charging. According to Prosser, an AirPower prototype codenamed “C68” now has support for the Apple-branded wearable.

“Remember how I said that the main problem was that current prototypes didn’t support Apple Watch?” Prosser tweeted. “They got the watch working.”

The Frontpage Tech creator shared two images along with the tweet, both of them showing a white, oval-shaped charging mat with an Apple Watch and AirPods Pro placed on top. Both devices were charging, as indicated on the wearable's lit display and the AirPods Pro's LED charging indicator.

Moving to another position

Despite Prosser's accurate track record when it comes to Apple leaks (as per Apple Insider), there are some who are taking it with a grain of salt. One of these people is Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who trolled the leaker with an image of a black charging mat charging an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time.

Prosser responded to Gurman with a promise to “move the [Apple] Watch to the sides.” The AirPower is said to be capable of charging the Apple Watch, iPhone and AirPods when placed anywhere on the mat, and by moving the wearable to another part of the mat, Prosser will be able to prove that his leak is accurate.

With that said, should fans be excited to see the AirPower out in the market soon? A release date is unknown at the moment, and until Apple finally launches it and makes it available for orders, fans are advised to take the reports with a grain of salt.