Apple to release AirPower ‘later in 2019’ according to Digitimes
A new supply chain report from Digitimes claims AirPower will be available ‘later in 2019’, adding strength to earlier reports that claimed Apple was ramping up production ahead of a launch scheduled for this year.
Although no specifics were shared, it looks as if Apple indeed be ready to launch its long awaited wireless charging pad on which customers will be able to charge three Apple devices at once: iPhone, Apple Watch and a wireless AirPods charging case. – It’s worth pointing out within the report Digitimes somewhat contradicts themselves by saying AirPower’s launch is “imminent” and will happen “later in 2019.”
The information comes from within a recent Digitimes report that looks at how AirPower will boost certain suppliers, including Lite-On Semiconductor, which has reportedly been shipping GPP bridge rectifiers designed for AirPower for the last year.
Lite-On Semiconductor has been shipping GPP bridge rectifiers for use in the forthcoming AirPower for over a year, the sources indicated. Lite-On Semi continues to see its shipments for the wireless charging device remain insignificant, but shipments are expected to see a substantial rise later in 2019, the sources believe.
The Apple Post shared last week that Apple had reportedly sent AirPower into production through Chinese supplier Luxshare Precision in partnership with Pegatron, and shortly after eagle eyed readers spotted mentioning of the wireless charging pad on Apple’s webpage when the company introduced its $129 Smart Battery Case for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, although Apple was quick to remove all AirPower mentioning shortly after the reference was spotted.
If supply chain reports are to be believed, AirPower is still alive, and coming this year – welcomed news for those who wondered if the AirPower project had been scrapped all together after sources claimed “a series of technical hurdles” was stopping development in its tracks.