On January 9, 2007, Steve Jobs, Apple’s then-CEO, introduced the iPhone, marking a significant moment in tech history. This announcement came after a series of successful Apple products like the iMac and the iPod.
Jobs was confident that the iPhone would be a game-changer in communication, much like the iPod had transformed music consumption. Despite his successes, not every Apple product has been a hit; the Newton PDA, which used a stylus for handwriting recognition, is one such example that struggled in the market.
After Jobs’ death in 2011, Apple continued to mix successes with failures, with the iPad, Apple Watch, and AirPods being notable successes, while the HomePod and the infamous AirPower project represented some of its misses. The AirPower was intended to charge multiple devices wirelessly but faced major technical issues, such as overheating caused by tightly packed coils.
Ultimately, Apple canceled the product after 562 days, marking it as one of the longest-running examples of “vaporware.” Fast forward to today, as we approach the sixth anniversary of AirPower’s cancellation, the Apple Store is now offering the Zens Quattro Wireless Charger Pro 4, a two-story wireless charger reminiscent of AirPower.
This accessory is designed to charge up to four devices simultaneously and is an exclusive item at the Apple Store. It boasts compatibility with MagSafe and is Qi2 certified, supporting a maximum charging speed of 15W.
Priced at $149.95, the Zens Quattro features designs that allow it to charge several devices at once, including multiple iPhones and AirPods. This situation serves as a reminder for Apple: if they cannot build a successful product, there are others who can potentially do it even better.