New pass-through cables for iPhone and Apple Watch – and Qi2 devices
A cable that can charge the Apple Watch and other devices is already available from Nomad. Competitor Zens is now adding two more.
Charging Cable USB C-C Pro 3 from Zens: For less cable clutter.
(Image: Zens)
You can never have enough USB-C ports, as they are used to power or charge most devices these days. It is therefore annoying when all the ports on the power supply unit or computer are occupied, even though you need another one. Pass-through chargers are the solution here: they supply one or more devices with power, but also lead a USB-C plug out again, which can then be used for another device. If the power supply is powerful enough, this is not a technical problem. The provider Zens, known for its Apple accessories, has now launched two such products on the market: one for charging Apple Watch and iPhone (as well as other Qi2 devices) and one for charging iPhones and Qi2 devices.
Two variants, one with a dual function
The Charging Cable USB-C-C Pro 3 costs just under 100 euros, has a charging capacity of up to 140 watts, and contains a charging puck in the middle for the Apple Watch (or AirPods with wireless charging function) and one for MagSafe iPhones or Qi2-enabled Android phones. The special feature: there is a USB-C cable with a plug on both the Apple Watch charging puck and the Qi2 charger. One plug is connected to the charger or another USB-C power source (such as a notebook). The other then remains for charging headphones or any other USB-C device.
A second pass-through charger from Zens is the Charging Cable USB-C-C Pro 2. This is a simpler version of the first model – and costs just under 50 euros. Instead of an additional Apple Watch charging puck, it only has a Qi2 charger with MagSafe compatibility, which also has a USB-C cable on both sides. Both Zens products are currently available for pre-order and will be delivered in October.
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First charger already on sale – but only for Apple Watch
So far, only one company has offered a pass-through charger: Nomad with its Universal Cable (see also "Gadger-Inspector" in Mac & i issue 2/2025). However, this is only a cable with an Apple Watch charging puck, so it is only suitable for Apple's computer watches and AirPods with wireless charging function.
Zens is addressing a much larger target group with the Qi2 charger. The devices are made of aluminum, the Qi2 charger can handle up to 15 watts, the Apple Watch charging puck is designed for fast charging mode.
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