Apple AirPower is experiencing overheating issues, say reports

The charging mat is still a AWOL after being unveiled last year
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Apple AirPower is experiencing issues related to overheating, communication, and interference that are holding it back from launch, according to a pair of reports.

The company's all-in-one charging mat, first unveiled back in September 2017 and scheduled for a 2018 release date, promises to charge the Apple Watch, iPhone and AirPods simultaneously, but has so far remained a no-show. And at Apple's keynote last week, there was still no update on the AirPower's whereabouts.

Read this: The best Apple Watch charging stands

We first heard whispers regarding problems with the unit back in February, with it allegedly struggling to gain a consistent connection with the Apple Watch, and now John Gruber, writing on Daring Fireball, and Sonny Dickson have claimed that the mat is still struggling to overcome similar issues.

Not only is AirPower becoming too hot to charge the trio of devices, which Gruber blames on the multi-coil design, but it's also not able to communicate with the devices and work out their level of charge. Interference between devices when all placed on the mat together is apparently also creating trouble.

The pair of reports don't go as far as to say the device has been officially delayed, or even cancelled altogether, but both strongly indicate that it isn't looking good - with Dickson describing it as "doomed to failure".

What we do know is that any mention of AirPower on the Apple website has been wiped, leaving its future very much in doubt.

Due to the pattern of reports surrounding the charging mat, it's likely that the company is assessing its options. It appears doubtful that AirPower, at least in its current form, will release any time soon, but it is possible Apple is taking a step back and looking to redesign the ambitious mat.

The one upside is that the likely delay gives you even more time to save for the mat, which rumours indicate will be priced around .

Apple AirPower is experiencing overheating issues, say reports



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Conor Allison

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Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.

Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides. 

He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror. 


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