Wireless charging technology has been around for over a century, but consumer electronics like smartphones and other mobile devices only recently adopted the use of wireless chargers.
But now thousands of wireless chargers flood the market. Many of them, with 2-in-1, 3-in-1 and even more complex configurations, can charge multiple devices at once.
Some chargers are purely wireless. But others combine wireless charging with USB-C and USB-A ports for wired charging.
Apple arrived a bit late to the wireless charging game compared to some Android manufacturers. But Cupertino finally embraced the technology with iPhone 8 tests in 2016, plus iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.
These iPhones supported the Qi wireless charging standard. It uses electromagnetic induction to transmit power between a charging pad and a receiver coil in the device. While convenient, first-generation wireless charging took longer than wired charging.
In 2020, Apple released the MagSafe wireless charging system for the iPhone 12 series. As with Qi, third-party providers like Belkin came swiftly with new chargers for Apple gear compatible with the new standard.
MagSafe uses a ring of magnets to properly align the iPhone with the charging puck, enabling faster 15W wireless charging speeds. It also allows for accessories like wallets and cases to snap securely onto the back of the iPhone.
Beyond MagSafe for iPhones, Apple added wireless charging in some models of the Apple Watch and the AirPods Pro/Max charging cases. Apple Watch uses a proprietary wireless charging puck, while an AirPods cases can charge on any Qi wireless pad.
See: Best MagSafe chargers and cables for iPhone 15
While still not as fast as wired charging from a higher wattage adapter, Apple’s MagSafe charging offers a nice balance of convenience and respectable charging performance for iPhone, Watch and AirPods users.
Qi2 is the latest version of the Qi wireless charging standard. It arrived in time for the 2022 holiday season. And it introduces improvements over the previous Qi specification in many wireless chargers.
Although it wasn’t widely known at the time, iPhone Series 12 supported Qi2 as newer iPhone handsets do. Apple actually worked with the Wireless Charging Consortium on the standard.
Advantages of the new wireless charging tech bring plenty of MagSafe-like benefits:
The main downsides of Qi2 are backwards compatibility challenges and the need for new Qi2-enabled devices and chargers. But it and MagSafe represent the cutting edge of wireless power delivery.
★★★★☆
The Zagg Desk Mat with Wireless Charging keeps your iPhone and other gear juiced up while also acting as a nonslip workspace, mousepad and stylus holder.
I put one in my home office and tested it with my iPhone and other accessories. Here’s how it went.
Add the iPhone 12 to the list of handsets that support the new Qi2 cross-platform wireless charging standard that’s based on MagSafe. Apparently, Apple gave the older phones support for the newest chargers without mentioning it.
More recent iPhone models already can use Qi2 accessories.
★★★★☆
The compact and slim Torras Ostand Power Bank is a second battery for your iPhone, providing 15-watt fast charging whenever and wherever you need it. It also serves as an iPhone stand and can charge other devices, like iPad, too.
Torras sent me a 5000mAh Ostand Power Bank to try. And it did not disappoint. Doing exactly what it claims to do, the device offers good value — especially while it’s discounted for the Amazon Big Spring Sale (see below).
Full-on Apple fans can wirelessly charge three devices with this folding charging station that’s perfect at home or on the road. It looks a bit like Apple’s pricey (and now-discontinued) MagSafe Duo — but this travel charger can handle more and costs a lot less!
The MagStack Foldable 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station with Floating Stand packs three charging surfaces — for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods — and it’s on sale for just $42.97. (That’s 38% off its regular price.)
★★★★☆
Journey’s new Axie 10,000mAh Global Charger and Power Bank is a handy, MagSafe-compatible 3-in-1 charging device that comes with three extra plugs and a travel case for use worldwide.
It’s designed for international travel. But it’s a great little charger for use at home, too, as a wall charger or as a power bank you can take on the go to keep your iPhone and two other devices juiced.
The Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand with Qi2 offers 15W charging for iPhone and other Qi2-enabled handsets, fast charging for Apple Watch, and optimal charging for AirPods, too.
This third version of Belkin’s charging stand launched Tuesday.
Journey’s new 3-in-1 wall charger and power bank can ease battery anxiety for world travelers. The Axie 10,000mAh Global Charger and Power Bank comes with international plugs that work in 150 countries.
The company pitches the Axie as a boon for international travelers — and “the fix for low battery dramas.”
The Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro is the first-ever accessory to work with Apple DockKit. Using this tech, it can hold up an iPhone, rotate and tilt to keep the camera focused on the user during video calls.
After being announced CES 2024 in January, the accessory reached the market on Friday.
★★★★☆
If you only want one charger for your smaller gadgets, Alogic’s new Matrix Ultimate is nearly ideal. You can use the 3-in-1 charger for iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at home or easily take it with you on trips.
That’s because the solidly built folding portable charger has a removable power bank and Apple Watch charging puck, plus a very nice felt carrying case. And it comes with a power adapter and USB-C cable. It’s not cheap, but it’s quite useful.
If you’re not careful, wires and chargers can clutter up your desk and other living areas. And who wants a cluttered, unsightly desk? No one. Fortunately, the Bentostack Charge 8000 from Function101 is an affordable cable organizer that can help you manage your chaotic desktop situation.
With four stackable layers, a built-in wireless charger and ports for wireless charging, it’s a great way to organize all your Apple gear and keep it all ready to roll. And right now, it’s on sale for $79.99 (regularly $99) for a limited time.
Alogic rolled out the portable Matrix Ultimate — calling it the world’s first foldable MagSafe-certified 3-in-1 wireless charger for iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch — at CES in Las Vegas Tuesday.
In addition, the company unveiled four new 32-inch Clarity 4K-resolution displays (previous Clarity models are 27 inches), plus Glide Flexible Monitor Arms.
The HyperDrive Next Snap-On USB-C SSD Enclosure lets iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users easily record terabytes of high-resolution video.
It’s one of many accessories Hyper just unveiled at CES 2024, including some with the new Qi2 wireless charging standard.
Keeping your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods fully charged at all times can prove daunting, especially when you’re on the road. But you can keep all your Apple gear ready for action with this charging station for multiple devices. The MagStack is a great travel charger — and it’s on sale now!
You can streamline your charging experience, whether at home or away, with the MagStack. This Apple-compatible 3-in-1 charging station is foldable and wireless, and for a limited time, you can get one for only $47.99 (regularly $74).
Twelve South’s new 2-in-1 Butterfly MagSafe Charger folds into a tiny footprint, fast-charges MagSafe iPhones and Apple Watches, and can serve as a kickstand for your handset, as well.
The cool gadget, which you can get directly from Twelve South or Apple, looks like a winner and is priced as such, at a steep $129.95.
Alogic’s Journey brand recently rolled out its fastest-ever chargers — a wireless charging desk mat and 3-in-1 wireless charging station.
The new Ultra series chargers — Alti Ultra Wireless Charging Desk Mat and the Trio Ultra 3-in-1 Fast Wireless Charging Station — carry Made for MagSafe certification, the company’s first to do so.
The Wireless Power Consortium promised Wednesday that the first chargers using the emerging Qi2 standard will be on the market in time for the holiday season.
Qi2 unifies wireless charging for iPhone and Android, bringing the advantages of Apple’s MagSafe to rival handsets.
mophie added fast charging for Apple Watch and a more sustainable design to its popular folding 3-in-1 MagSafe travel charger, the company said Wednesday.
So now the well-loved travel accessory gives you fast MagSafe charging for iPhone and quicker charging for your wearable.
An extremely portable power bank that charges iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time? We’re interested before you even tell us the price. But tell us that price is just $34.97 for a limited time, and we’re all the way in … ASAP!
This heavily discounted multidevice wireless charger is small enough to slip into your pocket or purse. Plus, it would make a great gift for anybody who uses an iPhone, an Apple Watch or any Qi-compatible device.
Through November 16, you can get one — or a dozen — for a massive 70% off the usual price of $119.99!
You may have your charging needs pretty well covered at the office, but what about in your car? Nomad launched three new items Wednesday it hopes can help you out on the road — Mount, Charge Mount and 70-watt Car Charger.
★★★☆☆
Journey recently unleashed an odd-but-useful beast — “the world’s first 4-in-1 laptop sleeve” with wireless charging, aka the Journey Nexa.
Journey Nexa Laptop Sleeve with Wireless Charging is a 4-in-1 device — MacBook sleeve, wireless charger for iPhone and AirPods, mouse pad and desk mat. But I found space limits it when you try to use it four ways at once, and it could benefit from some other improvements.
Ever find your Apple devices running on empty while you’re on the go? That’s when you need a power bank or battery pack small enough to fit easily in your bag, so you can charge up devices without a power outlet.
The Momax AirBox Go is a 3-in-1 charging station that will keep your gadgets going wherever you are. This unique Apple accessory is on sale, cutting the price drastically.
Citing a workforce that has become more mobile than ever before, Journey unveiled its new Nexa Wireless Charging Laptop Sleeve that also works as a wireless charger, mouse pad and desk mat for a mobile setup, the company said Thursday.
“The Nexa is a laptop accessory that actually does the job of four accessories – a sleeve, charger, mousepad, and desk mat,” Journey said. ““Laptop users with a NEXA in hand can enjoy better mobility when they come and go between different workspaces each day.”
The new Mophie 3-in-1 Extendable Stand with MagSafe features a tilting charging pad that telescopes upward from its base to help you position your iPhone for the best FaceTime calls.
And with charging spots for Apple Watch and AirPods, you can power up three devices at the same time.
Every time you leave your desk, the battery clock starts ticking. Which of your Apple devices will need to recharge first? Luckily, you can recharge three at once with this 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad.
It looks a lot like Apple’s MagSafe Duo, but it can handle three devices, not just two, which makes it an even more convenient travel charger. Plus, it costs a fraction of what Apple’s charger does. And now it’s even cheaper, thanks to a limited-time deal that drops the price to just $32.99 (regularly $69.99).
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
With the iPhone 15 series and new Apple Watches now out, the accessories floodgates are open. One of the first products through is an updated Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe charging stand. And it’s made for MagSafe and ideal for iOS 17’s Standby Mode.
So you can turn your iPhone into a classic bedside alarm clock or smart display with various widgets. And you can charge it alongside Apple Watch and AirPods.
