Apple officially canceled its wireless charging mat, AirPower, earlier this year. It was a blow for a lot of people (and their gadgets) because it promised to do something that no other wireless charger was able to do: charge an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods (2nd-generation), simultaneously, without each device needing to be meticulously placed on a specific spot on the charging mat. Apple pulled the plug after nearly two years of setbacks because AirPower didn’t meet its “high standards,” which TechCrunch originally reported back in March.
The TLDR version of why AirPower failed: It had a battery-and-power issue and Apple couldn’t control it. For the full long-read version, check out iFixIt‘s article. The bottom line is that the people who had been waiting for Apple’s wireless charging pad have needed to have a rethink. The good news is that there are other wireless chargers out that can almost do as much as AirPower promised. Almost.
SliceCharge 2 Wireless Charging Mat by Hard Cider Labs $60
This 30-watt wireless charging mat can simultaneously charge two smartphones and an Apple Watch. It’s available in all white (like the AirPower) or blue.
