Prototype of AirPower Emerges Through Designer Kosutami’s Shared Photos and Videos
A designer who operates under the alias Kosutami on the social network X has released visual material showing a working prototype of Apple’s canceled AirPower device. The share includes photos and video footage that illustrate a device built to sit quietly as a single wireless charging hub for multiple gadgets.
AirPower was introduced by Apple as a wireless multi‑charger featuring an oval, matte exterior. The intention was to charge three devices at once, creating a seamless experience for users who owned several Apple products. The product was publicly announced on September 12, 2017, with a projected launch in early 2018. However, the rollout never occurred. On March 29, 2019, Apple confirmed the cancellation of AirPower. Industry insiders later revealed that achieving consistent charging efficiency and reliability proved elusive during development.
The prototype showcased by Kosutami appears fully functional in the posted material. The footage demonstrates an ability to charge multiple devices concurrently, including the possibility of an Android smartphone sharing the charging surface alongside Apple devices. This highlights the broader compatibility potential that engineers explored as part of the prototype phase.
Despite the apparent capability, the device is not presented as fully serviceable. Kosutami notes that uneven placement of charging targets on the surface can lead to significant overheating. In some scenarios, the heat buildup was reported to be substantial enough to risk damage to the AirPower housing. These remarks align with the historic challenges Apple faced in balancing heat, efficiency, and wireless power delivery within a compact form factor.
From the available details, it is understood that the showcased unit reflects a 2017-era prototype. The visuals offer a snapshot of how the engineering team approached coil arrangement, power management, and thermal considerations before the product was ultimately canceled. Such a prototype, while not a final product, provides a rare glimpse into the technical decisions that shape wireless charging ecosystems.
The emergence of this prototype in public view underscores ongoing interest in universal wireless charging solutions and how such devices could integrate multiple standards and device footprints. It also raises questions about the balance between charging speed, safety margins, and cross‑device compatibility in a single, elegant platform. While the original AirPower project did not reach launch, the engineering intent remains a reference point for future designs exploring multi‑device charging in a compact, surface‑level form. The material accompanying the prototype serves as a case study in how developers evaluate thermal profiles and coil geometry in pursuit of a reliable, user‑friendly charging experience.