Callaghan-backed tech missing at Apple launch
Apple watchers are questioning whether its wireless charging technology – some of which is being developed in New Zealand – may have failed to have come through for the company.
Apple launched three new iPhone models and a new smart watch overnight on Wednesday, but the United States technology media was quick to spot that Apple’s muchhyped AirPower wireless charging technology appeared to be missing in action.
The US tech giant bought Kiwi wireless charging technology pioneer PowerbyProxi for a sum known to exceed $100 million last year – rekindling debate over local firms’ propensity to sell out before fully commercialising their technologies.
The technologies under development by PowerbyProxi were expected to give Apple a possible edge in the smartphone and smart watch markets.
About a month before the acquisition of PowerbyProxi was confirmed, Apple showed off a charging mat at an event in the US that appeared able to charge multiple Apple devices at the same time.
The company indicated the technology, AirPower, would be available some time this year.
But several US technology media sites, including Engadget, noted on Thursday that the technology was not mentioned at the latest iPhone launch. References to AirPower also appear to have been scrubbed from the company’s websites, they reported.
Many top major US technology news sites were running stories under headlines such as ‘‘What happened to AirPower?’’ on Thursday.
Bloomberg reported earlier this year that technical challenges directing power wirelessly to devices on the mat and avoiding overheating were causing issues.
Apple would not comment, or confirm whether PowerbyProxi was involved in AirPower, or whether that was being separately developed within Apple.
PowerbyProxi was receiving a growth grant from government grants agency Callaghan Innovation prior to its acquisition by Apple.
Callaghan said last year that it was in talks with PowerbyProxi to understand the situation with regard to its acquisition by Apple.
In January it was unable to provide any information on whether it was reviewing or cancelling its grants, or whether any refunds were likely as a result of the firm’s sale.
Callaghan spokeswoman Melanie Tuala said on Thursday, almost a year on from the transaction, that it was still working through that process.