Despite the failed AirPower experiment, Apple is reportedly still working on such a charger. In fact, it is claimed that Apple is developing a multi-device charger as well as short- and long-range wireless charging technology.
Apple's AirPower promised users a single charger that could power the AirPods, Apple Watch and iPhone simultaneously. Attempts to revive the project and produce a less ambitious version have failed, but Apple still seems interested in the concept. According to Mark Gurman's recent "Power On" newsletter works Apple is still working on the idea of a charger that can charge multiple devices at once. Although MagSafe Duo is technically heading in this direction, they are actually two different types of chargers, albeit related. Nevertheless, Apple is pursuing the idea of creating one large charging system for all products.
Charger: Will Apple products charge each other in the future?
Instead of Qi or MagSafe charging, Apple wants to provide power without the hardware having to be near the charger, for both short and longer ranges. Gurman explains that Apple's system could enable reverse wireless charging, where "all major Apple devices can charge each other." For example, an iPad could charge a nearby iPhone, AirPods case, or Apple Watch. This means the devices could be in a bag, for example, and still charge. Bloomberg reported on a revival of AirPower back in June and brought up the possibility of reverse charging. Interestingly, Apple has since received a patent for a "motion-sensing wireless power system." Is this all related? That remains unclear for now. (Photo by Unsplash / Tyler Lastovich)