Do AirPods charge batteries with Qi now?

Question

The Apple page about "Wireless Charging" talks about Apple's new AirPower mat due in 2018 working with iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Elsewhere it talks about standard Qi charging technology being used.

Does that mean today’s AirPods charge with any Qi-compliant charging pad?

Answer 1

Yes, but...

Current AirPods can only be charged with a Qi-compliant charging pad if they're in the appropriate case. By appropriate case I mean Apple has launched a new optional charging case that supports wireless charging for AirPods.

[EDIT]

You may wish to read:

• Apple announces a wireless charging case for the AirPods
• Apple Intros AirPower Charging Mat, Wireless Charging AirPods Case

Apple revealed a new AirPods case that works with Apple's new AirPower charging pad. To charge the new wireless case, you place it on the AirPower. If your AirPods are in the case, you’ll see an orange light if they’re charging, or a green light when they’re nearly fully charged. If no AirPods are in the case, the light still goes on when you open the lid, but it indicates how much battery life is left in the case itself: orange for needs charging and green for good life left.

As of this writing, Apple has not released pricing for the new wireless case, nor has the company said that it will replace the original case with the new one with a new pair of AirPods. The wireless case will be available in 2018.

Source: See second link above

Answer 2

No

No, today's AirPods do not work with Qi charging technology.

You have to read the fine print. Click the itty-bitty tiny 6 footnote link. Read the text in tiny font (emphasis mine):

Sold separately. Requires compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, or AirPods. AirPods with wireless charging capabilities coming in 2018.