Apple hasn’t given up on making a do-it-all charger for multiple devices

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AirPods on AirPower
AirPower might be dead, but the dream lives on.
Photo: Apple

Apple continues to work on a wireless charger, similar to the abandoned AirPower mat, that will allow users to charge multiple devices simultaneously, according to a new report. The company also hopes to develop truly wireless charging in the future.

Cupertino reportedly is working on “short and long distance” charging solutions that don’t require physical contact. It also wants to give all major Apple devices the ability to charge each other.

Apple isn’t done with AirPower

Some rival manufacturers already sell smartphones that can wirelessly charge other gadgets. Samsung’s latest Galaxy smartphones can share their juice with headphones, smartwatches and even other phones.

Apple reportedly planned a similar feature that would allow an iPhone to charge an Apple Watch and AirPods, simply by placing them on its back. And although we still haven’t seen that, it could come later as part of something bigger.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who has proven incredibly reliable in the past, claims in his latest Power On newsletter that Apple is working on a number of new and ambitious charging solutions for its mobile devices.

In addition to a wireless charger that would top up iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously — like the now-canceled AirPower mat — it wants to give all major devices the ability to charge each other.

Apple wants better wireless charging

“Imagine an iPad charging an ‌iPhone‌ and then that ‌iPhone‌ charging AirPods or an Apple Watch,” Gurman wrote. It would be a particularly convenient solution for those who are always on the go without regular access to mains power.

Looking further ahead, Gurman indicates that Apple is working on “short and long distance wireless charging devices” that would negate the need for smaller devices, such as iPhone or AirPods, to actually make contact with a charger.

The idea is that power is passed over the air to all devices within a certain radius. It’s incredibly ambitious, but it’s something Apple has been exploring for years now. It could well become a reality in the not-so-distant future.

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