Tesla doubles down on Apple with a product the company never dared release

Did Tesla achieve what Apple engineers couldn’t? During the iPhone X presentation in 2017, Apple made the public dream about a new kind of charging mat: AirPower. The idea was to improve Qi technology, using a mat made of several dozen profiles, so that up to three devices could be placed on it and charged, including the AirPods case and Apple Watch.

Even better: When you place an Apple accessory on it, the charging mat prompts the iPhone to display an animation showing the product’s design, before centering the battery charge levels for all devices being charged. These features would have come in handy, except that Apple was delaying the release of the AirPower mat year after year. Until that day in 2019 when the company frankly admitted that the product wouldn’t be released because it didn’t meet the “high standards” of Apple engineers.

Tesla launched an AirPower-style charging dock, ahead of Apple

In fact, we knew from the entrance noise that the device was a victim of overheating problems. A concern that seemed insurmountable with the first design of the AirPower mat. lately, New prototypes have appeared on the web. Which seems to indicate that Apple is redeveloping the product with a new technical design that allows the accessory to finally deliver on its promises (without the overheating issue).

While Apple has been slow to launch its revised and patched AirPower, Tesla is inviting itself to the party with a charging base that’s very similar in functionality: the Tesla Wireless Charging Pad. This black cargo mat, all in corners, It inherits a design taken from Cybertruck.

Tesla explains: Inspired by the angular metal design of Cybertrucks, our wireless charging pad delivers 15W fast charging per device and can charge up to three devices simultaneously. Its sleek design consists of an aluminum casing, a premium Alcantara surface, and a detachable magnetic stand that lets you place Charger flat or angled for better screen viewing. Devices are charged.”

The company adds that the rug is: Featuring FreePower® technology, which charges Qi-enabled devices such as phones or headphones placed anywhere on its surface without precise alignment.. Just like AirPower, except for the animation on your iPhone. The device adopts 30 interlocking files to operate.

The product is now available for pre-order in the Tesla Store. The brand specifies that the first units will be delivered by February 2023.