The entire event that Apple organized yesterday revolved around the iPhone X, but that doesn't mean it was the only thing on stage. One of the most interesting aspects of the smartphone is its support for wireless charging, a feature users have been requesting for a while. Technically, the iPhone X can be recharged by any base that follows the Qi standard; however, the Cupertino giant announced AirPower, a proprietary technology that will come to market through its own charging base, compatible with three devices at once.
One of the most controversial decisions Apple made was removing the conventional 3.5mm headphone jack on the iPhone 7. Besides breaking compatibility with millions of headphones, users were forced to use this to get audio output and charging capability at the same time. Beyond complaints from the tech press, memes about Apple's “courage”, and online petitions, we all know the company won't bring back the connector, and will in fact double down. The shortcut Cupertino is about to take is wireless charging. Both the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be compatible with Qi standard, so users can restore their devices' batteries using some of the many stations already on the market. Otherwise, the other option is to wait for Apple's AirPower solution.
AirPower is a charging base 'and' a new standard. Its development is being carried out together with the Qi people, but the most important difference is the number of devices we can charge. While traditional bases only accept a single smartphone (and sometimes in specific positions), Apple's demo showed AirPower charging an iPhone X, an Apple Watch, and AirPods in a special case. The phone even detects the presence of other accessories on the base and reports them on its screen. There was much to share with the press on stage, so AirPower had a fairly limited space, but the plan is for the technology to reach other solutions and become part of future standards.
So far, AirPower sounds very good, however… we must be patient. The base will not accompany the iPhone X or the iPhone 8 in their distribution. Available information indicates that Apple will launch AirPower at some point in 2018, probably during the first quarter. Of course, everything will depend on its price. Users are willing to adopt wireless charging, as long as it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
