Charger for Apple's Smart Connector on the iPad: USB-C port saved
Kuxiu already offers an iPad stand that supplies certain Apple tablets with power via the Smart Connector. Now, for the first time, a single charger is coming.
Kuxiu M30 charger in action: Charging in the back, an SSD is connected to the iPad at the bottom.
(Image: Kuxiu)
Many users don't know it, but Apple has been installing a special connector in more and more iPads since 2015: the so-called Smart Connector. It can now be found in the iPad Pro, the iPad Air, and even the standard iPad. Only the iPad mini still lacks it, even in the seventh generation introduced last year. However, although the magnetically operating connector with its three pins is widely used, there are virtually no accessories for it, apart from keyboards. Whether this is due to Apple and a lack of certifications or too little interest from the accessories industry is unclear.
Now the Chinese company Kuxiu has introduced the first charger for the iPad Smart Connector only. It helps to supply the iPad with power while the regular USB-C port is used for other tasks, such as an HDMI adapter or an SSD.
Different variants depending on the iPad
The new "magnetic charger", as Kuxiu calls it, is called the M30 and, interestingly, must be adapted to the respective iPad. All versions cost 35.95 euros plus shipping. The M30 is available for iPad Pro M4 with 11 and 13 inches, iPad Pro 12.9 of generations 3 to 6, iPad Pro 11 of generations 1 to 4 and iPad Air 10.9 (generations 4 and 5), 11 (M2/M3) and 13 (M2/M3). Some variants are currently not yet available or sold out.
The hardware consists of an aluminum charging unit with the necessary pins and an integrated two-meter long braided cable (not detachable). This ends on a USB-C plug, for which a power supply capable of power delivery is then required. Kuxiu recommends at least 35 watts for the iPad Pro M4, older models should be supplied with at least 30 watts PD.
Videos by heise
Probably no Apple approval, but experience
According to Kuxiu, iPads can be charged "quickly" via the M30 – What this means in concrete terms initially remained unclear. The hardware does not appear to have Apple approval; "Made for iPad" certifications would otherwise be listed on the website.
The M30 charger is not the first Smart Connector product from Kuxiu. An iPad stand with an integrated Smart Connector charging function has been on the market for some time. This is also available for iPad Pro and iPad Air and currently costs just under 80 euros plus shipping.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(bsc)
