12 ms·

What Really Happened to Apple’s Airpower

115 points by stablemap 8y ago

technologia 8y ago
From my short experience with wireless charging, I'm not a fan of the overheating issues and its definitely the reason why I wouldn't choose to use this over connecting a cable directly.
- crooked-v 8y ago
  I primarily use a wireless charger and I haven't noticed any heating issues. It's in a phone stand form factor, though, rather than an attempt to be both paper-thin and lying flat like Airpower, so there's much more area for passive air-cooling.
  - technologia 8y ago
    I think my cheap choice of wireless charger is to blame; I'll have to try this out again with something more legitimate.
    - crooked-v 8y ago
      So far, this seems to be the best one I've seen for a combination of name recognition, fast charging support (which is still pretty hard to find), and not being ugly as sin: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/powered-iphone-wireless-charging https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/powered-iphone-wirele... You can find cheaper $15 ones in a similar form factor on Amazon from Seneo, but it seems to be a crapshoot whether any specific unit will last long-term or have misaligned coils that give off an annoying whine.
      - technologia 8y ago
        Thanks, I'll definitely check that out
    - SyneRyder 8y ago
      On the cheap side, I've had luck with the Comsol Wireless Charging Stand. I've used them with both a Nexus 5 & a Galaxy S8. Unfortunately it appears to have just been discontinued (currently on clearance sale), though I'm not surprised as it looks like a knock-off of a Samsung design: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/comsol-qi-wireless-charging-stand-with-fast-charge-black-cowfcs01 https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/comsol-qi-...
    - cptskippy 8y ago
      At least with first generation Qi devices I think it was the device and not the charger to blame. I have a branded Lg charger and my Nexus 4 would occasionally overhead on it depending on how it was positioned. I eventually abandoned it and gave it to my wife who used her Nexus 5 with it for years and never complained of overheating.
iainmerrick 8y ago
unless the device is redesigned to be slightly thicker and larger – decisions which Apple is specifically unwilling to make compromises on for their overall design. Sounds like Apple.
- SlowRobotAhead 8y ago
  As opposed to Belkin who puts their name on some ok stuff and a lot of horrible Shenzhen designed garbage? I'll take the Apple route I think. There is plenty of room for both takes. I won't trash a company because they don't want to compromise their image. If they feel it's important to have a sleek charger then I'm glad they would rather not release than compromise their vision even if it doesn't matter to me.
  - 394549 8y ago
    >>> unless the device is redesigned to be slightly thicker and larger – decisions which Apple is specifically unwilling to make compromises on for their overall design. >> Sounds like Apple. > As opposed to Belkin who puts their name on some ok stuff and a lot of horrible Shenzhen designed garbage? That's entirely different. This sounds like Apple prioritizing barely-perceptible differences, and letting them either turn into roadblocks or force other unpleasant compromises (e.g. removal of the 3.5mm jack and the adoption of the unreliable butterfly keyboard). The prioritization of thinness jumped the shark a long time ago, IMHO.
- crooked-v 8y ago
  The bit that really annoys me is that a more stand-up form factor would probably be more usable for most people, since it allows using a phone as a mini-screen.
  - wlesieutre 8y ago
    Much harder to set a watch on that
    - 8y ago
joshuakcockrell 8y ago
Apple's own website lists a wireless charger for sale from Belkin: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HLZ42/belkin-boost-up-special-edition-wireless-charging-pad https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HLZ42/belkin-boost-up-spe... So, although I've never used one myself, clearly these chargers are feasible and the overheating challenges the article lists are solvable. I know the Belkin one looks more simple (1 device instead of 3), but why doesn't Apple enter the market with a similar product? The article doesn't really answer the question for me of why Belkin is creating one but Apple is not. Edit: Not sure why I'm getting downvoted. This is a genuine question and it's getting a lot of informative responses.
- DonaldPShimoda 8y ago
  It's specifically tricky because of the three devices charging simultaneously. As far as I know, no such charger exists. It's a hard problem to get all the circuitry to work correctly in a confined space and handle various wattages and currents at the same time.
  - pps 8y ago
    "This wireless charging pad supports 3 Qi-Enabled phone to be charged simultaneously." https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-JE-Charging-QI-Enabled/dp/B078MKF7Y8 https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-JE-Charging-QI-Enabl...
    - macintux 8y ago
      That looks like 3 distinct wireless chargers, all for phones. Apple was attempting something more ambitious: a large mat where you could drop 3 different types of devices in any location.
      - pps 8y ago
        What is the difference for a customer between 3 distinct chargers and 1 huge for 3 devices? It's not that hard to put your phone or watch on marked place on the mat, they could do just that, and with their resources they could do it better than this small company (I see from reviews that it's slow charging). Their idea was really cool, but if they can't do it, then why not create something less ambitious and then iterate to maybe finally create The Best Mat Ever.
jwr 8y ago
I know a bit about wireless charging (I design&build electronic devices). When I first heard about the idea of a multi-device charging mat, my first thought was: how in the hell are they going to do that? I didn't think it merely difficult, I thought it wasn't possible at all.
- wmeredith 8y ago
  Could you expand on this?
- pps 8y ago
  But there already exists something like that https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-JE-Charging-QI-Enabled/dp/B078MKF7Y8 https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-JE-Charging-QI-Enabl...
  - jclardy 8y ago
    That is just three wireless chargers stacked next to each other. Apple's design was to have no required orientation or position, just drop it wherever on the mat, along with whatever other devices.
    - pps 8y ago
      Still, it is "multi-device charging mat" and if Apple could provide something like that their customers would be more than happy - I guess.
- TrainedMonkey 8y ago
  They use multiple coils: "we can confirm is comprised of between 21 and 24 power coils". Presumably they detect where the device is and engage an appropriate coil. Quick search on amazon found a few charging pads with multiple coils.
  - joombaga 8y ago
    21-24 is a weird range
DonaldPShimoda 8y ago
I think they got a bit excited with sharing prospective products. In the last year or two they've broken precedent and announced a few things prematurely. For one, they said that they were going to be releasing a professional-level iMac Pro soon (which happened). In the same meeting [0], they said that they're working on a new modular design for the Mac Pro which is probably due next year (assuming they're still on track). I think the feedback from those premature announcements was so positive that they decided to announce AirPower before it was fully matured, and on that one they've paid the price. I wouldn't be surprised if they turn up the recluse-o-meter once again after this one, and I'm torn about that personally. On the one hand, it's great to see proof that they're working on innovations constantly, and it's neat to see that they don't always work (failure is a necessary component of invention). On the other hand, it's super exciting as a consumer to watch their live events and see something completely new that's available immediately and think "Wow, this is cool!", and that wouldn't happen if they keep pre-announcing things. [0] https://daringfireball.net/2017/04/the_mac_pro_lives https://daringfireball.net/2017/04/the_mac_pro_lives
- scarface74 8y ago
  They never said that they would release the Mac Pro next year (2018) they said “not this year” (2017). From the link you posted... These next-gen Mac Pros and pro displays “will not ship this year”. (I hope that means “next year”, but all Apple said was “not this year”.) In the meantime
  - DonaldPShimoda 8y ago
    Oh, you're so right! I mis-remembered and didn't bother to check through the article first. My mistake. (I knew the article from reading it when it was published.) Still, I'd be surprised if they expected it to be any later than 2019. Historically they never give information out like that early at all, so for them to break precedent and announce anything seems to indicate that they're fairly confident. Hopefully it goes better than AirPower haha.
    - scarface74 8y ago
anontechworker 8y ago
Apple also announced a wireless charging capable airpods case. Not a mention of it since..maybe it wasn’t feasible?
- georgespencer 8y ago
  Inductive charging on the AirPods case is trivial. Apple already ships a similarly sized inductive charging system for the Apple Watch, which has a significantly larger battery and slower charge rate than the AirPods case/headphones. The more likely reason they aren't shipping this yet is that it was a companion piece to AirPower: it doesn't use the Qi standard.
- rhinoceraptor 8y ago
  I don't think that's the reason, you can buy a case that for the Airpods case that adds Qi charging. I would guess they were planning on releasing it at the same time as the Airpower mat.
PaulHoule 8y ago
This was all over the net yesterday, this guy just rewrote what he read and now you are upvoting this spam.
- gnicholas 8y ago
  Was it on HN? If it was, I missed it.
- draw_down 8y ago
  Come on
- stetrain 8y ago
  The linked post is dated September 16, I think it was the source of a lot of the 'all over the net' you saw yesterday.
saidajigumi 8y ago
I eventually gave up on waiting for AirPower when Peel released their charger[1]: very thin, clean lines without branding, no LEDs to bother you if it's on your nightstand. It really feels like the product Apple should have shipped along with the first wireless iPhones. [1]: https://buypeel.com/products/the-super-thin-wireless-charger-for-iphone-android https://buypeel.com/products/the-super-thin-wireless-charger...
- emilfihlman 8y ago
  Now this seems like the kind of product I like. No unnecessary branding, just the requirements.
- ComputerGuru 8y ago
  I don't much mind the branding, but the LED is a real problem and it's not at all apparent from some of the listings just how bad it can be. I first bought a Samsung [0] (because it was one of only two that were purported to be future-compatible with the fast wireless charge once Apple released it in a firmware update), and could not bear the whole-room-illuminating glare of the bright green/blue LED and do not recommend it. I'm using this Spigen charger [1] now and happy with the tiny LED on there that is mostly covered up by the placement of the phone. This newer one by Anker [2] is on my list of chargers to try if I need a replacement since I have been happy with their products in the past, but the hard, shiny surface makes it look a bit cheaper than the matte finish on the Spigen, although it's more reasonably priced. I also have this stand-up Samsung charger for my desk [3], which does not have the same glaring light issue as the first one I bought, but I specifically did not want a stand-up model for my nightstand. The Samsung models are specifically designed for Android Qi-compatible phones that use a version of the protocol that is not fully compatible with Apple's. In particular, their LEDs are dual-color and intended to light up blue when charging then switch to green when charge has completed. They do not switch to green when charging an iPhone. The Spigen by contrast just has an indicator light that turns on when the iPhone is in contact with the wireless charger (i.e. can charge, regardless of whether or not it is fully charged). But note that the Samsung comes with an AC adapter capable of supporting fast charge, but the Spigen and the Anker do not -- you'll need to make sure you plug them into an adapter capable of supplying the sufficient voltage and current (as I believe fast charge switches to 9V), otherwise charge speed will be limited (and wireless charging is already slow enough). 0: https://amzn.to/2POFUau https://amzn.to/2POFUau 1: https://amzn.to/2NmnlNW https://amzn.to/2NmnlNW 2: https://amzn.to/2OBQlxK https://amzn.to/2OBQlxK 3: https://amzn.to/2xrXkC4 https://amzn.to/2xrXkC4
s17n 8y ago
This is what separates Apple from their competitors - any other company would have just shoveled some crap out the door by now.
- Johnny555 8y ago
  You mean crap like an antenna around the circumference of the phone so if you hold the phone in the normal way, you attenuate the cell signal?
  - scarface74 8y ago
    That was way over blown in hindsight. Apple sold the same GSM iPhone 4 without any modifications for 3 years.
bedhead 8y ago
I still don't understand the appeal of wireless charging...it always struck me as a solution in search of a problem. Is the half-a-second act of plugging in a phone really so burdensome to people that we need to "solve" it? A wireless charge still requires an outlet, a cord, a place to set the pad down...it's identical to current charges minus the so-minor-and-quick-you-dont-even-think-about-it step of plugging in the phone. Maybe, maybe if an entire surface (eg desk) was capable of wireless charging that would be a neat upgrade, otherwise I just don't get it at all. Now get off my lawn.
- rajacombinator 8y ago
  Think of a substantial surface in public places like an airport. Also I’m sure the design guys at Apple are thinking this is how they remove the last port on the iPhone a few years from now.
- sp332 8y ago
  I have one at my desk and one next to my bed. At work I can check a notification and then just put it back down without messing with a cable every time. And when I'm tired at night I don't have to chase down a cable and try to plug it in, I can just throw the phone on the mat in the dark. It's not a huge difference but it's nice, and it's worth the $7 I paid for a charging pad.
- nraynaud 8y ago
  https://www.google.com/search?q=broken+iphone+cable&rlz=1C5CHFA_enFR701FR702&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiJrInCq8XdAhWCh1QKHTgmBeoQ_AUIDygC&biw=1397&bih=797 https://www.google.com/search?q=broken+iphone+cable&rlz=1C5C... Stopping manual handling of the cable is urgent.
- AdmiralAsshat 8y ago
  Anecdotally, I can speak a bit about my Nexus 7 which I've had since 2014. It supported the wireless Qi standard when it came out, and I got a wireless charging pad soon after I got the thing. I've seen quite a few complaints on the xda-developers board about people with various Android phones and tablets (Nexus 7 included) becoming more or less unusable because the microUSB port wears out after so many thousand plug-ins and eventually breaks, dislodges, or stops recognizing the cable, and the end-user is unable to charge their device anymore. Since I wirelessly charge my Nexus 7 90% of the time (only using micro-USB if travelling or topping it off at work), the micro-USB port is still in great condition. Personally I've had four phones and two tablets and never had any of the ports break on me, but, I suppose fumbling in the dark trying to jam the cable into the phone late at night could definitely put some wear and tear on the device. I've heard possible stories that wireless charging might be worse for the battery, though, so, trade-offs for everything I suppose.
mrighele 8y ago
> It also affects the ability of Apple’s custom charging chip, which runs a stripped down version of iOS, to function as intended. Does the Airpower really runs a whole OS or am reading it wrong ? I'm wondering what are the features that require that much complexity...
etaioinshrdlu 8y ago
I have played around with qi hardware for a device in development, the best I could get from TI, and I found the entire system flakey, overheat prone, and generally rather impossible to debug and sensitive to the slightest variations. Take a look at the Qi standard, it is mind bogglingly complicated.
w4f7z 8y ago
One alternative solution for multi-device charging that avoids the overlapping coil approach that apple is reportedly having issues with is to simply move the coil to the middle of the device(s). That was the solution that Panasonic used for the QE-TM101 [0]. This particular implementation has only one coil so multiple devices are charged in series. [0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpSHJwiDfv4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpSHJwiDfv4 (Not my video. Shows a Nexus 4 being placed in worst-case positions and an illuminated robotic primary charging coil attempting to couple with the secondary on the phone.)

115 points by stablemap 8y ago

From my short experience with wireless charging, I'm not a fan of the overheating issues and its definitely the reason why I wouldn't choose to use this over connecting a cable directly.

crooked-v 8y ago
I primarily use a wireless charger and I haven't noticed any heating issues. It's in a phone stand form factor, though, rather than an attempt to be both paper-thin and lying flat like Airpower, so there's much more area for passive air-cooling.
- technologia 8y ago
  I think my cheap choice of wireless charger is to blame; I'll have to try this out again with something more legitimate.
  - crooked-v 8y ago
    So far, this seems to be the best one I've seen for a combination of name recognition, fast charging support (which is still pretty hard to find), and not being ugly as sin: https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/powered-iphone-wireless-charging https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/powered-iphone-wirele... You can find cheaper $15 ones in a similar form factor on Amazon from Seneo, but it seems to be a crapshoot whether any specific unit will last long-term or have misaligned coils that give off an annoying whine.
    - technologia 8y ago
      Thanks, I'll definitely check that out
  - SyneRyder 8y ago
    On the cheap side, I've had luck with the Comsol Wireless Charging Stand. I've used them with both a Nexus 5 & a Galaxy S8. Unfortunately it appears to have just been discontinued (currently on clearance sale), though I'm not surprised as it looks like a knock-off of a Samsung design: https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/comsol-qi-wireless-charging-stand-with-fast-charge-black-cowfcs01 https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/comsol-qi-...
  - cptskippy 8y ago
    At least with first generation Qi devices I think it was the device and not the charger to blame. I have a branded Lg charger and my Nexus 4 would occasionally overhead on it depending on how it was positioned. I eventually abandoned it and gave it to my wife who used her Nexus 5 with it for years and never complained of overheating.

iainmerrick 8y ago

unless the device is redesigned to be slightly thicker and larger – decisions which Apple is specifically unwilling to make compromises on for their overall design. Sounds like Apple.

SlowRobotAhead 8y ago
As opposed to Belkin who puts their name on some ok stuff and a lot of horrible Shenzhen designed garbage? I'll take the Apple route I think. There is plenty of room for both takes. I won't trash a company because they don't want to compromise their image. If they feel it's important to have a sleek charger then I'm glad they would rather not release than compromise their vision even if it doesn't matter to me.
- 394549 8y ago
  >>> unless the device is redesigned to be slightly thicker and larger – decisions which Apple is specifically unwilling to make compromises on for their overall design. >> Sounds like Apple. > As opposed to Belkin who puts their name on some ok stuff and a lot of horrible Shenzhen designed garbage? That's entirely different. This sounds like Apple prioritizing barely-perceptible differences, and letting them either turn into roadblocks or force other unpleasant compromises (e.g. removal of the 3.5mm jack and the adoption of the unreliable butterfly keyboard). The prioritization of thinness jumped the shark a long time ago, IMHO.
crooked-v 8y ago
The bit that really annoys me is that a more stand-up form factor would probably be more usable for most people, since it allows using a phone as a mini-screen.
- wlesieutre 8y ago
  Much harder to set a watch on that
  - 8y ago

joshuakcockrell 8y ago

Apple's own website lists a wireless charger for sale from Belkin: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HLZ42/belkin-boost-up-special-edition-wireless-charging-pad https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HLZ42/belkin-boost-up-spe... So, although I've never used one myself, clearly these chargers are feasible and the overheating challenges the article lists are solvable. I know the Belkin one looks more simple (1 device instead of 3), but why doesn't Apple enter the market with a similar product? The article doesn't really answer the question for me of why Belkin is creating one but Apple is not. Edit: Not sure why I'm getting downvoted. This is a genuine question and it's getting a lot of informative responses.

DonaldPShimoda 8y ago
It's specifically tricky because of the three devices charging simultaneously. As far as I know, no such charger exists. It's a hard problem to get all the circuitry to work correctly in a confined space and handle various wattages and currents at the same time.
- pps 8y ago
  "This wireless charging pad supports 3 Qi-Enabled phone to be charged simultaneously." https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-JE-Charging-QI-Enabled/dp/B078MKF7Y8 https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-JE-Charging-QI-Enabl...
  - macintux 8y ago
    That looks like 3 distinct wireless chargers, all for phones. Apple was attempting something more ambitious: a large mat where you could drop 3 different types of devices in any location.
    - pps 8y ago
      What is the difference for a customer between 3 distinct chargers and 1 huge for 3 devices? It's not that hard to put your phone or watch on marked place on the mat, they could do just that, and with their resources they could do it better than this small company (I see from reviews that it's slow charging). Their idea was really cool, but if they can't do it, then why not create something less ambitious and then iterate to maybe finally create The Best Mat Ever.

jwr 8y ago

I know a bit about wireless charging (I design&build electronic devices). When I first heard about the idea of a multi-device charging mat, my first thought was: how in the hell are they going to do that? I didn't think it merely difficult, I thought it wasn't possible at all.

wmeredith 8y ago
Could you expand on this?
pps 8y ago
But there already exists something like that https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-JE-Charging-QI-Enabled/dp/B078MKF7Y8 https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-JE-Charging-QI-Enabl...
- jclardy 8y ago
  That is just three wireless chargers stacked next to each other. Apple's design was to have no required orientation or position, just drop it wherever on the mat, along with whatever other devices.
  - pps 8y ago
    Still, it is "multi-device charging mat" and if Apple could provide something like that their customers would be more than happy - I guess.
TrainedMonkey 8y ago
They use multiple coils: "we can confirm is comprised of between 21 and 24 power coils". Presumably they detect where the device is and engage an appropriate coil. Quick search on amazon found a few charging pads with multiple coils.
- joombaga 8y ago
  21-24 is a weird range

DonaldPShimoda 8y ago

I think they got a bit excited with sharing prospective products. In the last year or two they've broken precedent and announced a few things prematurely. For one, they said that they were going to be releasing a professional-level iMac Pro soon (which happened). In the same meeting [0], they said that they're working on a new modular design for the Mac Pro which is probably due next year (assuming they're still on track). I think the feedback from those premature announcements was so positive that they decided to announce AirPower before it was fully matured, and on that one they've paid the price. I wouldn't be surprised if they turn up the recluse-o-meter once again after this one, and I'm torn about that personally. On the one hand, it's great to see proof that they're working on innovations constantly, and it's neat to see that they don't always work (failure is a necessary component of invention). On the other hand, it's super exciting as a consumer to watch their live events and see something completely new that's available immediately and think "Wow, this is cool!", and that wouldn't happen if they keep pre-announcing things. [0] https://daringfireball.net/2017/04/the_mac_pro_lives https://daringfireball.net/2017/04/the_mac_pro_lives

scarface74 8y ago
They never said that they would release the Mac Pro next year (2018) they said “not this year” (2017). From the link you posted... These next-gen Mac Pros and pro displays “will not ship this year”. (I hope that means “next year”, but all Apple said was “not this year”.) In the meantime
- DonaldPShimoda 8y ago
  Oh, you're so right! I mis-remembered and didn't bother to check through the article first. My mistake. (I knew the article from reading it when it was published.) Still, I'd be surprised if they expected it to be any later than 2019. Historically they never give information out like that early at all, so for them to break precedent and announce anything seems to indicate that they're fairly confident. Hopefully it goes better than AirPower haha.
  - scarface74 8y ago

anontechworker 8y ago

Apple also announced a wireless charging capable airpods case. Not a mention of it since..maybe it wasn’t feasible?

georgespencer 8y ago
Inductive charging on the AirPods case is trivial. Apple already ships a similarly sized inductive charging system for the Apple Watch, which has a significantly larger battery and slower charge rate than the AirPods case/headphones. The more likely reason they aren't shipping this yet is that it was a companion piece to AirPower: it doesn't use the Qi standard.
rhinoceraptor 8y ago
I don't think that's the reason, you can buy a case that for the Airpods case that adds Qi charging. I would guess they were planning on releasing it at the same time as the Airpower mat.

PaulHoule 8y ago

This was all over the net yesterday, this guy just rewrote what he read and now you are upvoting this spam.

gnicholas 8y ago
Was it on HN? If it was, I missed it.
draw_down 8y ago
Come on
stetrain 8y ago
The linked post is dated September 16, I think it was the source of a lot of the 'all over the net' you saw yesterday.

saidajigumi 8y ago

I eventually gave up on waiting for AirPower when Peel released their charger[1]: very thin, clean lines without branding, no LEDs to bother you if it's on your nightstand. It really feels like the product Apple should have shipped along with the first wireless iPhones. [1]: https://buypeel.com/products/the-super-thin-wireless-charger-for-iphone-android https://buypeel.com/products/the-super-thin-wireless-charger...

emilfihlman 8y ago
Now this seems like the kind of product I like. No unnecessary branding, just the requirements.
ComputerGuru 8y ago
I don't much mind the branding, but the LED is a real problem and it's not at all apparent from some of the listings just how bad it can be. I first bought a Samsung [0] (because it was one of only two that were purported to be future-compatible with the fast wireless charge once Apple released it in a firmware update), and could not bear the whole-room-illuminating glare of the bright green/blue LED and do not recommend it. I'm using this Spigen charger [1] now and happy with the tiny LED on there that is mostly covered up by the placement of the phone. This newer one by Anker [2] is on my list of chargers to try if I need a replacement since I have been happy with their products in the past, but the hard, shiny surface makes it look a bit cheaper than the matte finish on the Spigen, although it's more reasonably priced. I also have this stand-up Samsung charger for my desk [3], which does not have the same glaring light issue as the first one I bought, but I specifically did not want a stand-up model for my nightstand. The Samsung models are specifically designed for Android Qi-compatible phones that use a version of the protocol that is not fully compatible with Apple's. In particular, their LEDs are dual-color and intended to light up blue when charging then switch to green when charge has completed. They do not switch to green when charging an iPhone. The Spigen by contrast just has an indicator light that turns on when the iPhone is in contact with the wireless charger (i.e. can charge, regardless of whether or not it is fully charged). But note that the Samsung comes with an AC adapter capable of supporting fast charge, but the Spigen and the Anker do not -- you'll need to make sure you plug them into an adapter capable of supplying the sufficient voltage and current (as I believe fast charge switches to 9V), otherwise charge speed will be limited (and wireless charging is already slow enough). 0: https://amzn.to/2POFUau https://amzn.to/2POFUau 1: https://amzn.to/2NmnlNW https://amzn.to/2NmnlNW 2: https://amzn.to/2OBQlxK https://amzn.to/2OBQlxK 3: https://amzn.to/2xrXkC4 https://amzn.to/2xrXkC4

s17n 8y ago

This is what separates Apple from their competitors - any other company would have just shoveled some crap out the door by now.

Johnny555 8y ago
You mean crap like an antenna around the circumference of the phone so if you hold the phone in the normal way, you attenuate the cell signal?
- scarface74 8y ago
  That was way over blown in hindsight. Apple sold the same GSM iPhone 4 without any modifications for 3 years.

bedhead 8y ago

I still don't understand the appeal of wireless charging...it always struck me as a solution in search of a problem. Is the half-a-second act of plugging in a phone really so burdensome to people that we need to "solve" it? A wireless charge still requires an outlet, a cord, a place to set the pad down...it's identical to current charges minus the so-minor-and-quick-you-dont-even-think-about-it step of plugging in the phone. Maybe, maybe if an entire surface (eg desk) was capable of wireless charging that would be a neat upgrade, otherwise I just don't get it at all. Now get off my lawn.

rajacombinator 8y ago
Think of a substantial surface in public places like an airport. Also I’m sure the design guys at Apple are thinking this is how they remove the last port on the iPhone a few years from now.
sp332 8y ago
I have one at my desk and one next to my bed. At work I can check a notification and then just put it back down without messing with a cable every time. And when I'm tired at night I don't have to chase down a cable and try to plug it in, I can just throw the phone on the mat in the dark. It's not a huge difference but it's nice, and it's worth the $7 I paid for a charging pad.
nraynaud 8y ago
https://www.google.com/search?q=broken+iphone+cable&rlz=1C5CHFA_enFR701FR702&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiJrInCq8XdAhWCh1QKHTgmBeoQ_AUIDygC&biw=1397&bih=797 https://www.google.com/search?q=broken+iphone+cable&rlz=1C5C... Stopping manual handling of the cable is urgent.
AdmiralAsshat 8y ago
Anecdotally, I can speak a bit about my Nexus 7 which I've had since 2014. It supported the wireless Qi standard when it came out, and I got a wireless charging pad soon after I got the thing. I've seen quite a few complaints on the xda-developers board about people with various Android phones and tablets (Nexus 7 included) becoming more or less unusable because the microUSB port wears out after so many thousand plug-ins and eventually breaks, dislodges, or stops recognizing the cable, and the end-user is unable to charge their device anymore. Since I wirelessly charge my Nexus 7 90% of the time (only using micro-USB if travelling or topping it off at work), the micro-USB port is still in great condition. Personally I've had four phones and two tablets and never had any of the ports break on me, but, I suppose fumbling in the dark trying to jam the cable into the phone late at night could definitely put some wear and tear on the device. I've heard possible stories that wireless charging might be worse for the battery, though, so, trade-offs for everything I suppose.

mrighele 8y ago

> It also affects the ability of Apple’s custom charging chip, which runs a stripped down version of iOS, to function as intended. Does the Airpower really runs a whole OS or am reading it wrong ? I'm wondering what are the features that require that much complexity...

etaioinshrdlu 8y ago

I have played around with qi hardware for a device in development, the best I could get from TI, and I found the entire system flakey, overheat prone, and generally rather impossible to debug and sensitive to the slightest variations. Take a look at the Qi standard, it is mind bogglingly complicated.

w4f7z 8y ago

One alternative solution for multi-device charging that avoids the overlapping coil approach that apple is reportedly having issues with is to simply move the coil to the middle of the device(s). That was the solution that Panasonic used for the QE-TM101 [0]. This particular implementation has only one coil so multiple devices are charged in series. [0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpSHJwiDfv4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpSHJwiDfv4 (Not my video. Shows a Nexus 4 being placed in worst-case positions and an illuminated robotic primary charging coil attempting to couple with the secondary on the phone.)