The Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger for iPad Pro/Air helps solve the irritating problem of limited iPad ports. It clings to the back of Apple tablets and charges them without taking up the computer’s sole USB-C port. It also reduces wear on the port.
I put the 35W charger through testing in my home office and came away quite satisfied.
And it’s on sale: 20% off!
Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger for iPad Pro/Air review
I’m an iPad-first guy. I use my tablet for everything, and I love it. But there are some drawbacks, including Apple’s refusal to build in more than one USB-C port. So when I plug an external SSD into my iPad Pro to access work files, movies … whatever, I have to unplug the charging cable. This means I can’t, for example, watch a movie being pulled off the SSD while keeping the iPad juiced up at the same time. I have the same problem with Ethernet adapters.
Sure, there are workarounds. The most obvious is to plug a hub into the tablet that adds multiple ports, then connect your accessories to that, along with an external power cable to the hub. But a hub that doesn’t solve another drawback of limited ports: heavy use. The only way to charge the device is with that port, and the same goes for every other accessory. Over time, that’s a lot of wear and tear.
But the Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger doesn’t use USB-C. Simply place it on the back of the tablet for power to start flowing.
A new way to charge for iPad. The Kuxiu M30 combine PIN Smart Connector with MagSafe-style charging. It eliminates frequent plugging and unplugging, protecting your Thunderbolt port while also leaving the USB-C port open for other accessories.
- Charge iPad without taking up USB-C port
- Reduces wear on the port
- Not suited for all iPad cases and stands
Table of contents: Kuxiu M30 review
- iPad charger with a magnetic design
- Needs the right stand and case
- Speedy charging performance
- Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger for iPad Pro/Air review: Final thoughts
- Pricing
iPad charger with a magnetic design
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
As its name indicates, this charging accessory takes advantage of the Smart Connector that Apple builds into the back of its iPad models. That’s the three metal dots just above the USB-C port. The charger includes three metal pins to match — bring them together for the tablet to power.
This is exactly what the Smart Connector is for. The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad uses the same connector to send power to the tablet.
The Kuxiu M30 is magmatic: all I need to do is put it on my iPad for it to start working. There’s no on/off switch necessary.
Of course, plugging the charger itself in is another requirement. The accessory includes an integrated 6.65-foot braided USB-C cable. That’s plenty of length to reach a wall charger behind my desk.
There are different versions for all recent iPad Pro and iPad Air models — be sure to buy the right one — but not the budget iPad.
Needs the right stand and case
The section of the Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger with the charging pins measures 2.6 inches by 1.25 inches and 0.25 inches thick. That’s quite portable but many (though not all) iPad cases cover the Smart Connector, so you would need to remove them to charge. Even some desktop stands can be too wide to make using this accessory easy.
During my testing, I used the Satechi Aluminum Desktop Stand, and it worked fine. For a case, I used ones designed to be easily removable. The Logitech Flip Folio, the Moft Dynamic Folio and the Pitaka MagEZ Folio 2 all worked well.
Speedy charging performance
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Kuxiu promises that the M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger sends 35 watts to the iPad, and I can confirm that it certainly does. I tested the connection with a USB-C multimeter after placing the charger on my iPad Pro, and 35W is really flowing.
That’s the same amount of power as goes through the USB-C port, so there’s no slowdown from using this alternative.
Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger for iPad Pro/Air review: Final thoughts
Photo: Kuxiu
Apple should add a second USB-C port to the iPad, which would remove much of the need for Kuxiu’s accessory. But until that happens, pop this charger on your Smart Connector to leave your USB-C open for other accessories.
If it isn’t clear, I love this product. Absolutely love it.
★★★★★
Pricing
The Kuxiu M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger ordinarily sells for $39.99, but a digital coupon currently drops the price to $31.99 — just check the box on Amazon’s site. That’s a 20% discount! But you have to buy it from Amazon for the deal.
A new way to charge for iPad. The Kuxiu M30 combine PIN Smart Connector with MagSafe-style charging. It eliminates frequent plugging and unplugging, protecting your Thunderbolt port while also leaving the USB-C port open for other accessories.
- Charge iPad without taking up USB-C port
- Reduces wear on the port
- Not suited for all iPad cases and stands
Kixiu provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.
