removable – Latest Apple News

Insta360 Go 3 launches with new action pod & higher-resolution video

tigaman webdesign — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:03:06 +0000

Now official, the Insta360 Go 3 is the long-awaited successor to the brand’s ultra-portable action cam lineup that now includes a removable flip screen action pod for added battery and functionality.

New Insta360 Go 3

The Insta360 Go 3 weighs only 1.2 ounces and retains its magnetic body to adhere to various surfaces and mounts. A pivot stand, clip, and magnetic pendant are included in the box.

Insta360 Go 3 launches with new action pod & higher-resolution video

tigaman webdesign — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:03:06 +0000

New Insta360 Go 3

The Insta360 Go 3 weighs only 1.2 ounces and retains its magnetic body to adhere to various surfaces and mounts. A pivot stand, clip, and magnetic pendant are included in the box.

Easily replaceable phone batteries might be back, and I’m here for it

tigaman webdesign — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:40:37 +0000

Screenshot by Barbara Krasnoff / The Verge

The other day, I was going through a bag full of old tech — I mean, really old tech — trying to convince myself to finally get rid of phones that I hadn’t used for 10 years or so when I came across a battery. One of the batteries that I used to carry around in case my phone ran out of juice.

You see, once upon a time, smartphones had replaceable batteries. Instead of having to carry around a portable charger or search desperately for a wall socket so you could charge up your failing phone (assuming you had a power cord with you), you could pull off the back of your phone, replace the out-of-power battery with a fully charged one, and proceed happily on your way.

This Samsung Galaxy Note phone from 2012 had a back that easily opened to give access to a swappable battery.

However, at some point, manufacturers (and, perhaps, most consumers) decided that they wanted their smartphones as light and slim as possible — so slim that there was no room for a battery that wasn’t glued into place. They also wanted to add water and dust resistance, and that’s a lot harder to accomplish with a device that easily opens. So slowly but surely, the replaceable battery disappeared, and we all learned to carry around chargers or cords for just-in-case scenarios (especially if your phone’s battery was starting to age).

I have to admit that the first time I bought a phone without a replaceable battery, I felt a little peeved. It was probably akin to what a music enthusiast feels purchasing a phone with great audio but without an audio jack — you can adjust to the change, but you wish you didn’t have to.

Now, however, there’s a chance that one day, I may be able to adjust back. Back in 2020, there was a proposal by the European Parliament for new laws concerning the regulations of batteries, which included a clause that demanded “Portable batteries incorporated in appliances shall be readily removable and replaceable by the end-user or by independent operators during the lifetime of the appliance.” (Other regulations concerned batteries for various vehicles and industries.) In September 2022, the EU reached a provisional agreement to move forward with those laws. And on June 14th, 2023, the European Parliament approved it, sending out a press release explaining that portable batteries must be designed “in such a way that consumers can themselves easily remove and replace them” (emphasis theirs).

Huh.

A final vote is still upcoming, but considering that this month’s approval was passed with 587 votes in favor, nine against, and 20 abstentions, I would say that this is pretty much a done deal. The part about batteries being replaceable goes into force three and a half years after the final vote.

What this means is that, in a few short years, any phone sold in Europe will have to be designed so that its battery can be replaced by the person who owns it. And that any manufacturer who does business in Europe will have to decide whether they want to create completely different phone models to fit that market — or come up with phones that can be sold in other parts of the world as well. Like the US.

Since this news hit, there has been a lot of discussion about the exact interpretation of the phrase “readily removable and replaceable.” Kevin Purdy makes some good points in his Ars Technica article in which he notes that batteries are actually replaceable now if you have the know-how (and courage) to get through the adhesives holding your phone together and holding your battery into the phone. Of course, it’s a little hard to argue that this would qualify as “readily removable” by the typical user. But what does? Using specialized instruments to get at the battery — so that “replaceable” means putting in a new, semi-permanent battery? Simply unscrewing the back of the phone? Or going back to the way it was and just prying it out with your fingernail?

I have to admit that I’m very curious as to how this will pan out. Odds are, it will probably look different than the replaceable batteries we had 15 years ago. It’s more likely to be about extending the longevity of your device, not getting a few extra hours of use before needing to recharge. Still, I like to daydream about once again being able to shrug and swap a battery in under a minute when my phone is running low on power. I could get used to that again.

EU forces removable batteries on iPhone and iPad

tigaman webdesign — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 21:15:23 +0000

The European Parliament passed legislation that will require iPhone and iPad batteries to be “readily removable and replaceable.”

(via Cult of Mac – Tech and culture through an Apple lens)

Apple’s Vision Pro Headset Features Swappable Headbands and Light Seal

tigaman webdesign — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 18:42:45 +0000

It looks like Apple’s Vision Pro headset is only going to come in silver, despite rumors of multiple color options, but some level of customization will be available through the headset accessories.

There is a “Light Seal” that attaches magnetically to the headset display, creating a tight fit between the device and the wearer’s face in order to block out light, and there’s also a headband that fits at the back of the head to hold the headset in place. Both are removable and can be replaced.

Apple plans to offer the Light Seal in a wide range of size and shape options. The magnets in the Light Seal adhere to the curved display, and it’s important to have the right size. The Light Seal needs to fit firmly against the face to keep light out.

The headband snaps on to the Audio Straps that include speakers that provide spatial audio. Apple designed the headband from a flexible, 3D knitted material with a ribbed structure that is designed to be comfortable to wear. It is breathable while offering stretch, and a fit dial customizes the size to each individual’s head.

Apple when introducing the Vision Pro said that the headband can be removed and exchanged for a different size, indicating headbands will also come with size options. Apple also said a “different kind of band” could be used, so there is an open possibility for Apple to make other Apple Vision bands in the future.

There are also opportunities for third-party manufacturers to create seal and band accessories for Apple Vision, and we’ve already seen some third-party band options. In the future, Apple Vision may work a lot like the Apple Watch, with a multitude of bands to choose from.

Related Roundup: AR/VR Headset

Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

This article, "Apple's Vision Pro Headset Features Swappable Headbands and Light Seal" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s big bet on a brand-new platform starts at $3,499

tigaman webdesign — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:15:14 +0000

Macworld

After months—years, even—of rumors, Apple has finally unveiled its mixed-reality headset. Dubbed Apple Vision Pro, it supports both AR and VR applications and boasts features and specs that make other competing products look like toys. Apple calls it “the most advance personal electronics device ever” and has filed over 5,000 patents related to it. But it will cost you. Apple says it starts at $3,499 and will be available early in 2024. Apple claims it is a high-end TV, sound system, computer, and more–making the cost a bargain by comparison.

Apple calls it a new type of product that blends the digital and real world. It’s the first Apple product you look through, and not at. You control everything using your eyes, hands, and voice, rather than holding physical controllers. Apps and the interface can be moved around and resized, and even cast shadows on the real world to help you understand scale. Apple says that just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and the iPhone introduced us to portable computing, Apple Vision Pro will introduce us to “spatial computing.”

You’re able to place multiple apps in the real world space and can type with either voice or a virtual keyboard, but you can also use Bluetooth keyboards and trackpads, and with a glance at your Mac, you can use it on a large virtual display.

Apple Vision Pro shows a real-time rendition of your eyes,

Apple

An external display shows people what your eyes look like at the moment with a feature called EyeSight, so others are not disconnected from you. But if you’re in a fully immersive experience, a cloudy view shows others that you’re not able to see them at the moment.

The apps we know are all completely redesigned for the virtual space. FaceTime shows each participant in a large video tile and uses spatial audio to help you place who is talking. Vision Pro also lets you capture photos and video in full 3D, so you can watch them using the headset and experience them with real depth. Watching a film dims the room or places you in a large virtual environment.

As part of the announcement, Apple brought out Disney CEO Bob Iger to show a sizzle reel of some of the ways the company plans to support the product, including new ways to consume Disney or ESPN content. The demo showed off movies with interactive elements, and live sports with stats and highlights, and courtside views.

The front is a single piece of glass. The aluminum frame has a button on the left side and a Digital Crown on the right. The cloth face cushion comes in various sizes, and the cloth headband is stretchy and even removable for different kinds of headbands. Speakers are integrated into the sides and provide personalized spatial audio. They use audio ray tracing to create a sound profile of your room and If you need glasses, there are Zeiss magnetically attached vision correction attachments.

The headset is meant to be used all day when plugged in, but a separate battery pack that tethers to the side is meant to last two hours.

Apple Vision Pro will last all day when plugged in and two hours with the external battery pack.

Apple

The two displays provide over 23 million pixels combined–greater than 4K per eye. A high-speed eye tracking system on the inside monitors where you look, and foveated rendering helps keep rendering running smoothly. Inside, the system is powered by an M2 processor and a new R1 chip that can process input from all 12 cameras and numerous other sensors in just a few milliseconds.

The external OLED on the front is curved and uses a lenticular display so that when other people see you, they see your eyes from the correct perspective. You’ll scan your face to create an accurate 3D avatar of yourself.

All of this is run by VisionOS, Apple’s new operating system designed from the ground up for spatial computing. Hundreds of thousands of iPhone and iPad apps will work on Vision Pro from day one, in addition to new 3D apps you get from a new App Store. Apple says there will be over 100 Apple Arcade games available to play on day one, including NBA 2K24, and the hardware supports gamepads just like iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.

The Vision Pro will scan your iris with Optic ID, which like Face ID is encrypted and stays on device and is only accessible to the secure enclave in the M1 processor. It is used to authenticate just like Touch ID and Face ID are. Where you look is processed by a secure background process so apps can’t track you.

Virtual Reality

Apple’s newest iPad Mini drops to its all-time low price

tigaman webdesign — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:32:40 +0000

The latest Mini is the smallest model in Apple’s lineup, making it particularly ideal for reading. | Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge

Let’s face it: many of us have considered opting for the 10th-gen iPad because it’s one of the more affordable options in Apple’s current lineup. But today’s deal on its midrange sibling changes things. Right now, you can buy Apple’s latest iPad Mini with Wi-Fi and 64GB of storage at its all-time low of $399.99 ($100 off) at Amazon and Best Buy — which is even less than the price of the latest iPad.

Unlike the 10th-gen iPad, the iPad Mini is compatible with the second-gen Apple Pencil. It’s also lighter, with a smaller 8.3-inch screen that’s easier to hold with one hand, which makes it particularly ideal for reading. At the same time, it comes equipped with a faster A15 Bionic chip while sharing some of the same features, including a USB-C port.

Read our iPad Mini (2021) review.

If you’d like to keep an eye on your porch while you’re away traveling this summer, the last-gen Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) is on sale for $74.99 ($154 off) at Woot. Despite the fact that the 2018 model isn’t as fast or as smart as Google’s newer doorbell, it’s still a good option, with features like person alerts and night video. The doorbell also features a 4:3 aspect ratio and 1600 x 1200-resolution sensor with HDR, so you’ll have no trouble getting a full view of who’s at your door. Plus, if you pay for the monthly subscription, you get 24/7 continuous recording and other smart alerts.

If you’re looking for an Xbox controller, right now, you can buy the white 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller from Amazon for $29.99 ($16 off). That marks a new all-time low for this particular shade, though if white doesn’t appeal, you can also buy it in black for $5 more from Amazon and Best Buy. The controller is an excellent budget-friendly option that offers some nice features for its price, including two back buttons, customizability, and an adjustable stick. Plus, it works with PCs and even features a 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphone fans.

For a gadget that’ll help you streamline your workflow, you might want to check out the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2. Right now, you can buy the handy tool for $129.99 ($20 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and direct from Elgato, which is its second-best price of the year.

The little gadget comes with 15 programmable buttons that act as shortcuts for various tasks, making it a particularly handy tool if you often host live streams. However, many staffers at The Verge also use it to automate other tasks, like turning Slack messages into to-do list items with the push of a button. Plus, the MK.2 comes with a few extra features to make life even easier, like a detachable stand, a removable USB-C cable, and a swappable faceplate.

Just a few more to get you through the midweek hump

Apple’s second-gen HomePod is on sale for $249.99 ($50 off) through June 2nd at Costco. Nonmembers can also get it on sale but will have to pay an additional $14.50 surcharge. The smart speaker offers excellent, room-filling sound alongside new temperature and humidity sensors. Read our review.
You can buy Anker’s 511 Charger for $11.99 ($5 off) at Amazon, which matches its all-time low. The small USB-C charger delivers 20W of power to smartphones, tablets, earbuds, and other electronics.
Razer’s new Kishi V2 Controller Grip for the iPhone is on sale for $89 ($11 off) at Amazon, which is a new record low. The grip turns your smartphone into something like a Nintendo Switch so you can play mobile games more comfortably. The newer model offers an improved design over its predecessor, too, with two remappable shoulder buttons. Read our review of the Razer Kishi V2 Controller Grip for Android.
You can still buy Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones for around $278 ($70 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. The last-gen headphones may not cancel out as impressively as the new Sony WH-1000XM5, but they still offer excellent noise cancellation and good sound quality. Read our review.

Apple’s Unusual Headset Design Has Led to Unprecedented Production Challenges

tigaman webdesign — Wed, 31 May 2023 15:06:44 +0000

Apple’s mixed-reality headset will reportedly be the most complicated hardware product ever made by the company, sporting an unusual design that has proven to be an unprecedented challenging to manufacture, The Information reports.

Apple headset concept by Marcus Kane

The headset apparently features an “unconventional curved design, thinness, and ultralight weight.” Several renders seen by The Information “show a piece of curved glass with edges wrapped in a smooth aluminum frame that appears to be slightly thicker than an iPhone.” The thin profile requires users who wear glasses to buy prescription lenses that magnetically clip into the headset.

Apple had to develop a first-of-its-kind “bent motherboard” to fit inside the headset’s curved outer shell. Carbon fiber is used inside the headset to reinforce the structure without adding additional weight.

A small dial is located above the right eye, allowing users to transition between augmented and virtual reality, and a power button is located above the left eye. A round connector that looks similar to an Apple Watch charger attaches to the headset’s left temple and runs down via a cable to a waist-mounted battery pack.

The headset’s headband is primarily made of a soft material and attached to two short, hard temples which also contain the left and right speakers. A soft, removable cover attaches to the back of the headset for comfort against the wearer’s face. Apple is said to have debated adding additional eye-tracking cameras or further adjustments to the motorized lenses to accommodate more face shapes.

Apple’s industrial design team apparently pushed for the front of the headset to be made of a thin piece of curved glass, requiring more than a dozen cameras and sensors to be concealed for aesthetic reasons. There have apparently been concerns about the glass warping the images captured by the cameras, which could cause nausea if left unfixed, and the material is more prone to shattering than an ‌iPhone‌ screen due to its shape, leading to worries about broken glass from the headset injuring users.

The design is said to be the main driver behind the device’s ~$3,000 retail price. Assembly workers apparently struggle to maneuver tools and install components at awkward angles inside the device due to its shape and densely packed electronics. Testing of the glass housing and cameras also takes far longer than equivalent processes for other Apple devices.

The headset’s microOLED displays are also said to be so expensive that Apple has to fix defective units rather than discard them. Sony, the displays’ supplier, could struggle to manufacture enough panels for more than 250,000 headsets this year due to their small size and pixel density.

Apple has struggled to build prototype headsets due to its complicated design. At an earlier stage in development, Apple was making 100 headsets a day, but only 20 units were up to the company’s standards. In mid-April, the headset underwent design validation testing, where it reportedly remained for an unusually long period compared to more mature products like the ‌iPhone‌. Apple apparently made unusually late design tweaks as late as April, to make it easier to manufacture.

While mass production of the headset has not yet begun, Luxshare, its sole manufacturer, has purportedly told workers that the factory that will make the headset must be fully staffed by July. The Information believes this points to a launch in the fall or winter. Apple is expected to ship less than half a million headsets during the first year of its release. For more details, see The Information‘s full report.

Related Roundup: AR/VR Headset

Tags: The Information, Luxshare

Related Forum: Apple Glasses, AR and VR

This article, "Apple's Unusual Headset Design Has Led to Unprecedented Production Challenges" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Best Apple Watch chargers, stands & docks

tigaman webdesign — Mon, 22 May 2023 13:43:32 +0000

Macworld

Apple ships a simple but effective charging cable with the Apple Watch that will fast-charge an Apple Watch Series 7 or later (Watch 8, Watch Ultra). You won’t find a faster charging accessory but you can also choose from a wide range of stylish and practical charging stands and docks for your Apple Watch—including some that can also charge other Apple devices such as your iPhone and AirPods.

Here, we round up some of the best Apple Watch chargers, docks and charging stands. Most should be compatible with all generations of the Watch, but be sure to check compatibility before buying.

Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable – Best Apple Watch charging cable

Pros

Fast charge Watch
Simple

Cons

One use only

Best Prices Today:

$27.99 at Best Buy $29.00 at Apple $29.99 at Adorama

Watch fast charge: Yes

Size: 1m cable

Weight: 2.6oz (73g)

Colors: White

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

Apple ships its Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable with its Watch Series 7 and later models, including the Watch Series 8 and Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch SE (including the current model) and Series 6 and earlier Watch models shipped with the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable that lacks the fast-charging function.

Both cables are Apple white and a meter long. The latest version features an enhanced charging puck.

The 7.5W Fast Charger Cable can charge 33% faster than the older 5W cable—charging a compatible Watch battery from 0-80% in just 45 minutes. An eight-minute charge will support eight hours of sleep tracking.

Without fast charge, it takes about 1.5 hours to charge an Apple Watch to 80%, and about 2.5 hours to 100%.

Fast charging requires at least a 20W USB-C charger, like you’d use to charge an iPhone; find our recommended best iPhone chargers for a wider choice that the plain Apple 20W charger.

While you can still buy the older Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, there’s little benefit as the newer Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable is backwards compatible with older Watch models, looks the same, and is the same price. You can use the old cable on a later Watch but obviously without fast charging.

Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro Wireless Charging Pad – Best 3-in-1 Apple Watch pad

Pros

Charges Watch, iPhone, AirPods
Fast charge Watch
15W MagSage for iPhone

Cons

Large footprint

Best Prices Today:

$149.95 at Apple $149.99 at Best Buy

Watch fast charge: Yes

Size: 9.3 x 3.4 x 0.835 inches (23.7 x 8.6 x 2.1cm)

Weight: 22.8oz (476g)

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: 20W wall charger included

Belkin’s Boost Up Charge Pro Wireless Charging Pad 3-in-1 charger (available at Apple) is the fastest way you can wirelessly charge both your Apple Watch and iPhone (12/13/14-series models), plus AirPods that come in a wireless charging case.

It boasts both Watch fast charging (7.5W) and iPhone MagSafe fast charging (15W).

The Watch can either lie flat or in Nightstand mode.

The magnetic charging module features a precision dial that can adjust the height for the best Watch, depending on the screen size.

Journey Rapid TRIO 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station – Best Apple Watch charging stand

Pros

Charges Watch, iPhone, AirPods
Detachable Watch charger

Cons

No Watch fast charge

Watch fast charge: No

Size: 6.7 x 5.3 x 3.4 inches (17 x 13.4 x 8.6cm)

Weight: 11.5oz (325g)

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

If you own an Apple Watch it’s a fair bet that you also have an iPhone, and, go on admit it, some AirPods, too—you’re well invested into the Apple ecosystem.

This 3-in-1 charging station from Journey has a tiltable MagSafe-compatible pad (7.5W) for all iPhones 12/13/14, plus a Qi charger for AirPods that have a wireless charging case.

Important to us here, though, is the Apple Watch charger, which is detachable and so can slip into your pocket and plug into a USB-C charger, including your MacBook, away from the base unit.

Alogic Matrix Universal Apple Watch Charger – Best portable Apple Watch charger

Pros

Portable

Cons

One use only

Watch fast charge: No

Size: 1.7 x 1.4 x 0.4 inches (4.2 x 3.6 x 1cm)

Weight: 0.85oz (24g)

Colors: Silver

Requires USB-C charger: Any USB-C charging port

Small enough to fit in your pocket, this little Watch charger from Alogic can plug straight into a USB-C charger or a USB-C charging port—for example, the Thunderbolt on your MacBook—or USB-C output power bank.

It’s part of a modular Matrix family, which means it can be part of a 3-in-1 iPhone/AirPods/Watch charging station, like the one reviewed in our roundup of the best MagSafe chargers. This flexible system can include a removable MagSafe-compatible power bank in the stand or outside with you.

Belkin Boost Charge Pro Portable Fast Charger – Best Apple Watch charging stand

Pros

Fast charge Watch
Nightstand
Portable

Cons

One use only

Best Prices Today:

$54.99 at Best Buy $59.95 at Apple

Watch fast charge: Yes

Size: 3.8 x 3.8 x 0.63 inches (9.7 x 9.7 x 1.6cm)

Weight: 6.8oz (192g)

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

The Belkin Boost Charge Pro Portable Fast Charger for Apple Watch is a long name for a fairly simple square, rubberized Apple Watch charging stand. It’s one of the few Apple Watch accessories that can fast-charge the Watch (Series 7 and later), and, weighing just 6.8oz (192g), is portable, too.

The magnetic charging module allows the Watch to be raised to work either lying flat or in Nightstand mode.

Its built-in 4-foot (1.2m) USB-C cable wraps neatly around the underside of the dock, so keeping your space clutter-free. There’s a precision dial on the bottom of the dock to raise the puck height depending on the size of your Watch. Available from Apple.

Zens 2-in-1 MagSafe + Watch travel charger – Best Apple Watch travel charger

Pros

Charges iPhone and Watch
15W MagSage for iPhone
Portable

Cons

No Watch fast charge

Watch fast charge: No

Size: 2.36 x 2.36 x 0.79 inches (6 x 6 x 2cm)

Weight: 6.4oz (182g)

Colors: White

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

This pocketable 2-in-1 Apple Watch and iPhone charger from Zens is a quality travel accessory for Apple users. The foldout Watch arm works as a kickstand for the iPhone in either landscape or portrait orientation.

It doesn’t support Apple Watch fast charging but is MagSafe-certified for full 15W MagSafe charging for iPhones 12 and later.

There’s a cute hard-shell travel case so you can keep the included braided USB-C cable and the charger protected in transit. Its a great charger in its own right and doesn’t need to be reserved for just travel duties.

Lamicall Watch Stand – Best budget wired Watch stand

Pros

Affordable stand

Cons

Requires charging cable
One use only

Best Prices Today:

$11.99 at Amazon

Watch fast charge: Yes, with Apple fast-charge cable

Size: 3.54 x 5.31 x 1.85 inches (9 x 13.5 x 4.7cm)

Colors: Black, Silver, Gray, Rose Gold

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

Lamicall’s Apple Watch Stand is a super-affordable wired Watch-charging stand, available in four different colors.

Keep in mind that you will still need to use a separate charging cable as this is only a stand and won’t charge your Apple Watch on its own.

It’s a nifty little bedside stand if you don’t want to splurge more than you need to.

Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe

Pros

Charges Watch, iPhone, AirPods
15W MagSage for iPhone

Cons

No Watch fast charge
Large footprint

Best Prices Today:

$89.99 at Amazon

Watch fast charge: No

Size: 5.7 x 5.3 x 5.3 inches (13.7 x 13.5 x 13.5cm)

Weight: 22.4oz (635g)

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: 20W wall charger included, with 1.2m cable

This 3-in-1 Watch/iPhone/AirPods charging station from Belkin takes up some space on your bedside table or desk but it looks great and can wirelessly charge an iPhone 12/13/14 model at the full MagSafe 15W. Sadly, like most charging stands, it isn’t compliant with Watch fast charging.

The stand lifts the charging iPhone to a height that makes it easier for FaceTime or watching videos. Why watching Netflix, sorry Apple TV+, why not hang up the Apple Watch for a charge as it’s no use to you anyway while you are sat down.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Apple Watch 10K Power Bank

Pros

Fast charger
Portable
Charges Watch, iPhone, AirPods

Watch fast charge: Yes

Colors: Black

Requires USB-C charger: 20W

We haven’t tested Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, but it is available for pre-order now and is promised for a June 2023 release.

This portable 10000mAh power bank can fast-charge an Apple Watch at 7.5W, and also wirelessly charge AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and wired-charge an iPhone (or any other device) at 20W.

Four LED battery indicator lights let you know when it’s time to recharge the power bank itself.

Pass-through charging means you can wirelessly charge your Apple Watch when charging the power bank

It ships with a 12-inch (30cm) USB-C to USB-C cable.

i.VALUX Portable Wireless Charger for Apple Watch

Pros

Portable Apple Watch power bank

Cons

No Watch fast charge
MicroUSB cable

Best Prices Today:

$19.99 at Amazon

This keyring power bank (1000mAh) should store enough charge to keep your Watch going until you are near a proper power source again. Four PEDs on the bank show you how much power remains in the bank.

It’s available in a range of colors, depending on where in the world you are.

You recharge the power bank with the included cable—sadly fiddly old MicroUSB.

Spigen S350 – Simple dock for Apple Watch cable

Pros

Affordable stand

Cons

Requires charging cable
One use only

Best Prices Today:

$11.99 at Amazon

Watch fast charge: Yes, with Apple fast-charge cable

Size: 2.2 x 2 x 1.8 inches (5.6 x 5.1 x 4.6cm)

Weight: 11oz (312g)

Colors: White, Black, Blue, Pink

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

This is a simple, secure stand that you slip your Apple charging cable into so that you can set your Watch in Nightstand mode by your bedside or at your desk if you prefer to charge during the day so that you can track your sleep at night.

Note that it’s just a stand so you still need the Apple charging cable. From Spiegen.

Elago Vintage Stand – Best novelty charger for Mac users

Pros

Looks like a tiny Mac

Cons

Requires charging cable

Best Prices Today:

$13.99 at Amazon

Watch fast charge: Yes, with Apple fast-charge cable

Colors: Beige, Black

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

Here’s one for the Apple enthusiasts that have been following the company since long before all this fancy touch-screen malarkey started. Elago’s cute W3 Stand (a.k.a. the Apple Watch Vintage Stand) turns your Apple Watch into a tiny original Macintosh while it’s charging.

It even sits at a slight angle to match the original Mac, and uses Nightstand mode to make sure the screen is aligned correctly.

Twelve South TimePorter – Best Watch charging case for travel

Pros

Tidy travel case

Cons

Requires charging cable

Fast charge: Yes, with Apple fast-charge cable

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

The TimePorter from Apple accessory supremo Twelve South is a cool case for storing your Watch gear and charging the Apple Watch whether at home or on the go.

You clip Apple’s Watch charging cable into the case where you can also store the charger plug, extra straps and other Watch accessories. This tidies everything away; having the Watch and all its bits charging on your nightstand can otherwise be a cable-twisted nightmare.

Your Watch attaches to the charging puck on the outside, and if you lift the lid it acts as a stand in a viewing position like an alarm clock. You can pack everything away and chuck it in a bag, too.

If your power bank fits inside, you can charge your Watch on the go.

The case is covered in vegan-friendly synthetic leather.

FAQ

How much time does Apple Watch take to fast charge?

The Apple Watch battery life is notoriously short between charges so fast charging is a great way to keep your smart timepiece topped up and ready for action.

Using a Fast Charger cable, such as the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable, or stand, such as the Belkin Boost Charge Pro Portable Fast Charger for Apple Watch, you can charge a Watch 33% faster than using an older cable or stand. Fast charging will get a compatible Watch battery from 0-80% in 45 minutes. An eight-minute charge will power your Watch for eight hours of sleep tracking.

Fast charging requires at least a 20W USB-C charger.

See How to fast charge Apple Watch for more information.

Which Apple Watch models can fast charge?

The following Apple Watch models support Fast Charge: Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra.

The second-generation Apple Watch SE does not support Fast Charge.

How can I see my Apple Watch battery percentage?

To see how much power remains on your Apple Watch, hold the bottom of the screen and swipe up to open the Control Center. You can add the battery life percentage to the watch face by adding a battery complication, in this way:

Hold the display, then tap Edit
Swipe left to the end to see if the watch face includes a possible battery complication
Tap the complication to select it, then turn the Digital Crown to choose the battery complication
To save your changes, press the Digital Crown, then tap the face to switch to it.

You can also add a battery widget to show the battery percentage of a connected Apple Watch on your iPhone.

How to save power on the Apple watch

When you can’t get to your Apple Watch charger fast enough and the Watch battery is dangerously low, you can eke out the remaining battery charge by saving power.

The easiest way save battery life is to turn on Low Power Mode. This turns off Always On Display, background heart rate and blood oxygen measurements, plus heart rate notifications. Cellular access is also turned off in Low Power Mode. Apple states that “other notifications may be delayed, emergency alerts may not arrive, and certain cellular and Wi-Fi connections are limited.

When the Watch battery is charged to 80%, Low Power Mode turns off automatically.

Other Apple Watch battery saving tips include:

Don’t use an Exercise or other tracking
Turn off Always On Display in the Settings app
Turn off background apps: push the side button (not the digital crown) and release it; then scroll through the running apps using the digital crown; close the apps by swiping from left to right and tapping on the “X”
Turn off the heart rate monitor and advanced health tracking in the Watch app on your iPhone: Privacy > Health >
Turn off voice assistant Siri—which is always listening for your commands—in Apple Watch Settings
Turn on Theater mode, which prevents the Apple Watch display from turning on when you raise your wrist, and also turns on Silent Mode
Turn on Silent Mode
Use a darker watch face as black pixels use less power than bright ones such as Mickey Mouse or the Activity Face
In extreme circumstances when you know you’ll need your Apple Watch later but not right now, turn off your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until you see the Power Off slider
Unpair AirPods from your Apple Watch in Settings.

See: How to improve Apple Watch battery life for more advice.

How to turn on Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch

When its battery charge falls to 10% or lower, your Apple Watch alerts you and suggests that you enter Low Power Mode.

Hold the bottom of the Watch screen, then swipe up to open Control Center.
Tap the battery percentage icon, then turn on Low Power Mode.
Scroll down, and tap Turn On Low Power Mode.

Apple Watch, Computer Accessories

Best Apple Watch chargers, stands & docks

tigaman webdesign — Mon, 22 May 2023 13:43:32 +0000

Macworld

Here, we round up some of the best Apple Watch chargers, docks and charging stands. Most should be compatible with all generations of the Watch, but be sure to check compatibility before buying.

Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable – Best Apple Watch charging cable

Pros

Fast charge Watch
Simple

Cons

One use only

Best Prices Today:

$27.99 at Best Buy $29.00 at Apple $29.99 at Adorama

Watch fast charge: Yes

Size: 1m cable

Weight: 2.6oz (73g)

Colors: White

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

Both cables are Apple white and a meter long. The latest version features an enhanced charging puck.

Without fast charge, it takes about 1.5 hours to charge an Apple Watch to 80%, and about 2.5 hours to 100%.

Fast charging requires at least a 20W USB-C charger, like you’d use to charge an iPhone; find our recommended best iPhone chargers for a wider choice that the plain Apple 20W charger.

Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro Wireless Charging Pad – Best 3-in-1 Apple Watch pad

Pros

Charges Watch, iPhone, AirPods
Fast charge Watch
15W MagSage for iPhone

Cons

Large footprint

Best Prices Today:

$149.95 at Apple $149.99 at Best Buy

Watch fast charge: Yes

Size: 9.3 x 3.4 x 0.835 inches (23.7 x 8.6 x 2.1cm)

Weight: 22.8oz (476g)

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: 20W wall charger included

It boasts both Watch fast charging (7.5W) and iPhone MagSafe fast charging (15W).

The Watch can either lie flat or in Nightstand mode.

The magnetic charging module features a precision dial that can adjust the height for the best Watch, depending on the screen size.

Journey Rapid TRIO 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station – Best Apple Watch charging stand

Pros

Charges Watch, iPhone, AirPods
Detachable Watch charger

Cons

No Watch fast charge

Watch fast charge: No

Size: 6.7 x 5.3 x 3.4 inches (17 x 13.4 x 8.6cm)

Weight: 11.5oz (325g)

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

If you own an Apple Watch it’s a fair bet that you also have an iPhone, and, go on admit it, some AirPods, too—you’re well invested into the Apple ecosystem.

This 3-in-1 charging station from Journey has a tiltable MagSafe-compatible pad (7.5W) for all iPhones 12/13/14, plus a Qi charger for AirPods that have a wireless charging case.

Important to us here, though, is the Apple Watch charger, which is detachable and so can slip into your pocket and plug into a USB-C charger, including your MacBook, away from the base unit.

Alogic Matrix Universal Apple Watch Charger – Best portable Apple Watch charger

Pros

Portable

Cons

One use only

Watch fast charge: No

Size: 1.7 x 1.4 x 0.4 inches (4.2 x 3.6 x 1cm)

Weight: 0.85oz (24g)

Colors: Silver

Requires USB-C charger: Any USB-C charging port

Belkin Boost Charge Pro Portable Fast Charger – Best Apple Watch charging stand

Pros

Fast charge Watch
Nightstand
Portable

Cons

One use only

Best Prices Today:

$54.99 at Best Buy $59.95 at Apple

Watch fast charge: Yes

Size: 3.8 x 3.8 x 0.63 inches (9.7 x 9.7 x 1.6cm)

Weight: 6.8oz (192g)

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

The magnetic charging module allows the Watch to be raised to work either lying flat or in Nightstand mode.

Zens 2-in-1 MagSafe + Watch travel charger – Best Apple Watch travel charger

Pros

Charges iPhone and Watch
15W MagSage for iPhone
Portable

Cons

No Watch fast charge

Watch fast charge: No

Size: 2.36 x 2.36 x 0.79 inches (6 x 6 x 2cm)

Weight: 6.4oz (182g)

Colors: White

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

It doesn’t support Apple Watch fast charging but is MagSafe-certified for full 15W MagSafe charging for iPhones 12 and later.

Lamicall Watch Stand – Best budget wired Watch stand

Pros

Affordable stand

Cons

Requires charging cable
One use only

Best Prices Today:

$11.99 at Amazon

Watch fast charge: Yes, with Apple fast-charge cable

Size: 3.54 x 5.31 x 1.85 inches (9 x 13.5 x 4.7cm)

Colors: Black, Silver, Gray, Rose Gold

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

Lamicall’s Apple Watch Stand is a super-affordable wired Watch-charging stand, available in four different colors.

Keep in mind that you will still need to use a separate charging cable as this is only a stand and won’t charge your Apple Watch on its own.

It’s a nifty little bedside stand if you don’t want to splurge more than you need to.

Belkin Boost Up Charge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Stand with MagSafe

Pros

Charges Watch, iPhone, AirPods
15W MagSage for iPhone

Cons

No Watch fast charge
Large footprint

Best Prices Today:

$89.99 at Amazon

Watch fast charge: No

Size: 5.7 x 5.3 x 5.3 inches (13.7 x 13.5 x 13.5cm)

Weight: 22.4oz (635g)

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: 20W wall charger included, with 1.2m cable

Belkin BoostCharge Pro Apple Watch 10K Power Bank

Pros

Fast charger
Portable
Charges Watch, iPhone, AirPods

Watch fast charge: Yes

Colors: Black

Requires USB-C charger: 20W

We haven’t tested Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, but it is available for pre-order now and is promised for a June 2023 release.

This portable 10000mAh power bank can fast-charge an Apple Watch at 7.5W, and also wirelessly charge AirPods Pro (2nd generation) and wired-charge an iPhone (or any other device) at 20W.

Four LED battery indicator lights let you know when it’s time to recharge the power bank itself.

Pass-through charging means you can wirelessly charge your Apple Watch when charging the power bank

It ships with a 12-inch (30cm) USB-C to USB-C cable.

i.VALUX Portable Wireless Charger for Apple Watch

Pros

Portable Apple Watch power bank

Cons

No Watch fast charge
MicroUSB cable

Best Prices Today:

$19.99 at Amazon

It’s available in a range of colors, depending on where in the world you are.

You recharge the power bank with the included cable—sadly fiddly old MicroUSB.

Spigen S350 – Simple dock for Apple Watch cable

Pros

Affordable stand

Cons

Requires charging cable
One use only

Best Prices Today:

$11.99 at Amazon

Watch fast charge: Yes, with Apple fast-charge cable

Size: 2.2 x 2 x 1.8 inches (5.6 x 5.1 x 4.6cm)

Weight: 11oz (312g)

Colors: White, Black, Blue, Pink

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

Note that it’s just a stand so you still need the Apple charging cable. From Spiegen.

Elago Vintage Stand – Best novelty charger for Mac users

Pros

Looks like a tiny Mac

Cons

Requires charging cable

Best Prices Today:

$13.99 at Amazon

Watch fast charge: Yes, with Apple fast-charge cable

Colors: Beige, Black

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

It even sits at a slight angle to match the original Mac, and uses Nightstand mode to make sure the screen is aligned correctly.

Twelve South TimePorter – Best Watch charging case for travel

Pros

Tidy travel case

Cons

Requires charging cable

Fast charge: Yes, with Apple fast-charge cable

Colors: White, Black

Requires USB-C charger: Yes (20W minimum)

The TimePorter from Apple accessory supremo Twelve South is a cool case for storing your Watch gear and charging the Apple Watch whether at home or on the go.

Your Watch attaches to the charging puck on the outside, and if you lift the lid it acts as a stand in a viewing position like an alarm clock. You can pack everything away and chuck it in a bag, too.

If your power bank fits inside, you can charge your Watch on the go.

The case is covered in vegan-friendly synthetic leather.

FAQ

How much time does Apple Watch take to fast charge?

The Apple Watch battery life is notoriously short between charges so fast charging is a great way to keep your smart timepiece topped up and ready for action.

Fast charging requires at least a 20W USB-C charger.

See How to fast charge Apple Watch for more information.

Which Apple Watch models can fast charge?

The following Apple Watch models support Fast Charge: Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra.

The second-generation Apple Watch SE does not support Fast Charge.

How can I see my Apple Watch battery percentage?

Hold the display, then tap Edit
Swipe left to the end to see if the watch face includes a possible battery complication
Tap the complication to select it, then turn the Digital Crown to choose the battery complication
To save your changes, press the Digital Crown, then tap the face to switch to it.

You can also add a battery widget to show the battery percentage of a connected Apple Watch on your iPhone.

How to save power on the Apple watch

When you can’t get to your Apple Watch charger fast enough and the Watch battery is dangerously low, you can eke out the remaining battery charge by saving power.

When the Watch battery is charged to 80%, Low Power Mode turns off automatically.

Other Apple Watch battery saving tips include:

Don’t use an Exercise or other tracking
Turn off Always On Display in the Settings app
Turn off background apps: push the side button (not the digital crown) and release it; then scroll through the running apps using the digital crown; close the apps by swiping from left to right and tapping on the “X”
Turn off the heart rate monitor and advanced health tracking in the Watch app on your iPhone: Privacy > Health >
Turn off voice assistant Siri—which is always listening for your commands—in Apple Watch Settings
Turn on Theater mode, which prevents the Apple Watch display from turning on when you raise your wrist, and also turns on Silent Mode
Turn on Silent Mode
Use a darker watch face as black pixels use less power than bright ones such as Mickey Mouse or the Activity Face
In extreme circumstances when you know you’ll need your Apple Watch later but not right now, turn off your Apple Watch by pressing and holding the side button until you see the Power Off slider
Unpair AirPods from your Apple Watch in Settings.

See: How to improve Apple Watch battery life for more advice.

How to turn on Low Power Mode on the Apple Watch

When its battery charge falls to 10% or lower, your Apple Watch alerts you and suggests that you enter Low Power Mode.

Hold the bottom of the Watch screen, then swipe up to open Control Center.
Tap the battery percentage icon, then turn on Low Power Mode.
Scroll down, and tap Turn On Low Power Mode.

Apple Watch, Computer Accessories