Zens' new Apple MagSafe multicharger powers up to four devices
This modular charger can be set up as a 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 to power an iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, and iPad. And launching alongside it is a new iPad and MacBook stand.
By Antonio G. Di Benedetto / @SuperAntonio64
Nov 30, 2022, 10:24 PM UTC |
A 4-in-1 charging behemoth.
Image: Zens
Zens is releasing a new set of charging stands today, offering a mix of wireless and wired charging for up to four devices. At the top of the list is the Zens 4-in-1 Modular Wireless Charger, which has an official MagSafe stand for charging iPhones at 15W wireless speeds, a Qi pad for charging compatible AirPods, a stand for wired USB-C charging of an iPad or MacBook Air, and an Apple Watch charger that can fast-charge a Series 7, Series 8, or Ultra.
That last bit is what really gives this $179.95 Franken-charger its "modular" moniker since the Apple Watch charger attaches magnetically. You can get the same setup as a 3-in-1, sans Apple Watch charger, for $149.95 — though if you change your mind later, the standalone module costs $49.95.
Along with the release of these fancy MagSafe multichargers, Zens has introduced a $79.95 60W iPad / MacBook Air charging stand. To be frank, it's just a USB-C charging stand that can be used for all kinds of tablets or laptops — as long as they fit — without any options for modularity or nifty accessory chargers.
All three new Zens chargers are available now from Apple.
The USB-C iPad stand looks a bit like the back of the multicharger was hacked off.
While there's slowly been a growing number of 3-in-1 magnetic chargers out there for charging your trinity of an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, only a handful — like these options from Zens — are compatible with true 15W MagSafe iPhone charging. Incorporating a USB-C connection for an iPad or other compatible devices makes the Zens a bit unusual, though one of the tradeoffs for charging up to four power-hungry devices is requiring one chonker of a 65W power supply.
What's included with the Zens 4-in-1 Modular Wireless Charger. That's a big boy power adapter for sure.
The new Zens chargers claim to be constructed of 35 percent recycled plastics, and each comes with USA and international wall plug adapter prongs as well as a braided USB-C to USB-C cable. It's cool to see some new and interesting charging accessories from the same company that brought us the wireless power bank sandwich and one of the coolest-looking wireless charging pads — including one for any diehards willing to cut a giant hole in their desk.
However, while it's always welcoming to see more proper MagSafe chargers in the world, the Zens continue a trend of Apple's magnetic charging feature being pretty dang expensive.
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