In September 2017, Apple announced its wireless charging mat, Airpower, designed to charge two devices simultaneously in addition to an Apple Watch.
The beauty in its design allows a user to place a device anywhere on the mat. There was no need to position an iPhone or pair of AirPods in any particular fashion or zone.
However, in early March 2019, Apple canceled the project.
Regarding the announcement, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, Dan Riccio, explained to TechCrunch, “After much effort, we’ve concluded AirPower will not achieve our high standards and we have canceled the project. We apologize to those customers who were looking forward to this launch. We continue to believe that the future is wireless and are committed to push the wireless experience forward.”
Three years later, Tesla has launched their version – the Wireless Charing Platform – for $300.
Taken from the Tesla website, the Wireless Charging Platform description reads:
“Inspired by the angular design and metallic styling of Cybertruck, our Wireless Charging Platform provides 15W of fast charging power per device for up to three devices simultaneously. Its sleek design is composed of an aluminum housing, premium alcantara surface and a detachable magnetic stand that allows you to lay the charger flat or at an angle for better viewing. Featuring FreePower® technology, which charges your Qi capable devices such as phones or earbuds placed anywhere on its surface without precise alignment.”
Interestingly, Tesla’s charging device can charge three Qi devices concurrently, and unlike Apple’s failed AirPower charger, it cannot charge an Apple Watch.
The technology and company behind this technology, FreePower, had partnered with smartphone accessory manufacturer, Nomad, to release a similar product to Tesla’s Wireless Charing Platform in 2020.
Publisher The Verge mentioned that the Nomad Base Station “may one day be the future of wireless charging technology, right now, the current version is just too expensive and too limited.”
Their website states that the Tesla Wireless Charging Platform will sell for $300 and begin shipping in February 2023.
