Samsung might finally beat Apple at its own game when it comes to wireless charging.
During its Galaxy Note 9 keynote today, Samsung revealed that it has created a knockoff version of Apple’s AirPower charging mat. Even though Apple revealed AirPower last year its release is nowhere in site while Samsung is ready to pounce on the opportunity to ship first.
Must sting a bit in Cupertino that Samsung might be shipping their own AirPower mat rip-off before the AirPower itself is in stores… pic.twitter.com/Js5LNIzd6Q
— Sebastiaan de With (@sdw) August 9, 2018
There are a few differences between Apple’s AirPower and the Samsung Wireless Charger Duo. With the AirPower, you can place your iPhone or Apple Watch anywhere on the pad and it will start charging. With Samsung’s, you have to put your Android phone in the designated phone spot and the watch in its spot too.
Apple’s AirPower requires some more difficult engineering that Samsung’s. Some insiders have reported that AirPower has been delayed due to overheating issues.
Samsung hasn’t announced pricing or a release date for the Wireless Charger Duo yet, so it’s totally possible that Apple will beat them to market still. Apple usually announces its new iPhone lineup at a keynote in September. Hopefully, we’ll finally get a release date on the AirPower charging mat during the big event.
