Apple's MagSafe Duo charging pad, which is capable of wirelessly powering up an Apple Watch and iPhone at the same time, could be nearing launch.
The device has been spotted getting certified in Korea via the country's National Radio Research Agency compliance test, which may be a strong indication that its arrival is imminent.
Wareable verdict: Apple Watch Series 6 review | Apple Watch SE review
The wireless charging setup was announced alongside the unveiling of the iPhone 12 back in September. Apple also showed off a MagSafe charger designed just for the iPhone, which is already available to buy. For anyone that owns both phone and Watch though, it's the Duo that you're likely more interested in.
Apple hasn't disclosed pricing of the MagSafe Duo, though it's highly likely to be pricier than the it costs to pick up the iPhone-only MagSafe charger.
Its arrival will no doubt be warmly welcomed, especially after Apple cancelled the launch of its AirPower charging mat that promised to charge iPhone, Watch and AirPods at the same time.
Unveiled back in 2017, the charging mat experienced a series of delays with reports that the setup was overheating due to charging coils sitting too close to each other.
Apple AirPower was officially cancelled in 2019, two years after its unveiling
Dan Riccio, Apple's SVP of hardware engineering then confirmed the project's cancellation, saying it simply didn't meet Apple's own product standards.
So it's ditched the AirPods charging support for now and moved to a technology that has been used in Apple's MacBooks chargers before it moved to the USB-C charging standard.
Related: The best Apple Watch accessories
MagSafe uses magnets built around a Qi charging coil that can already be found inside a host of existing wireless charging setups.
Those magnets can help correctly align your Apple device on the charger to ensure it charges properly. It's also capable of offering faster charging rates than QI-based wireless chargers, making it all that more appealing to own.
As we've said, Apple has yet to talk price or a MagSafe Duo launch date. We do know that Apple has its 'One More Thing' event scheduled in for 10 November where it's expected to show off a few more new devices.
This latest piece of evidence suggests we could be edging closer to a life where it's a lot easier to charge your Apple Watch Series 6 and your iPhone together at the same time.
Via: MacRumors
How we test
By Michael Sawh
Michael Sawh has been covering the wearable tech industry since the very first Fitbit landed back in 2011. Previously the resident wearable tech expert at Trusted Reviews, he also marshaled the features section of T3.com.
He also regularly contributed to T3 magazine when they needed someone to talk about fitness trackers, running watches, headphones, tablets, and phones.
Michael writes for GQ, Wired, Coach Mag, Metro, MSN, BBC Focus, Stuff, TechRadar and has made several appearances on the BBC Travel Show to talk all things tech.
Michael is a lover of all things sports and fitness-tech related, clocking up over 15 marathons and has put in serious hours in the pool all in the name of testing every fitness wearable going. Expect to see him with a minimum of two wearables at any given time.