Video Provides Detailed Look at Apple AirPower Prototype

A hands-on video of an Apple AirPower prototype from last year has been shared on YouTube, giving a closer look at the device.

AirPower was an Apple-designed charging mat that Apple announced in September of last year.

AirPower was designed to allow users to place their devices on any part of the mat to charge them, which meant that multiple charging coils had to be included. As seen in Apple's early marketing materials, it would have prompted devices to display a unique on-screeniOS animation when they were placed on the charging mat. The charge of all of the devices that were put on the pad would be shown on the AirPower charging device.

In August 2020 photos showing a multi-coil design and the device's internal circuitry appeared on social networks, as well as the first video footage of the device in August 2021. The best look yet at Apple's AirPower charge is provided by 91Tech and Apple demo.

The white exterior shell that Apple marketed the device with is not present in the AirPower prototype.

Terminal on a Mac can be used to connect to the prototype unit, even though it is not functional. The AirPower unit was probably never used because of the errors that were made after initial boot.

After issuing commands to initiate auto-calibration, a large amount of information could be read off the prototype, such as the install date of June 7, 2017, commands for selecting specific coil, and more.

The AirPower prototype unit is similar to other units that have leaked. The 22 coil design appears to be what Apple planned to move ahead with for the later iteration of the AirPower device.

The AirPower's hardware was almost completely developed in 2017 or earlier, according to no AirPower prototypes from the last two years. Software was the subject of an iteration before the AirPower project was put on hold due to overheating issues.

The AirPower project was canceled by Apple after a number of issues with its development.

The rumors about Apple's work on a smaller wireless charger were related to MagSafe or the MagSafe Duo. Mark Gurman reported last year that Apple is still looking into AirPower-like charging solutions.

Apple prototypes are rare items that can only be obtained from individuals who have smuggled them out of Apple's infrastructure. There are prototypes of a Mac mini with an iPod dock, an original iPad with two 30-pin ports, a third-generation iPod touch with a rear camera, and an Apple Watch Series 3 prototype.