While the iPhone has been able to charge the devices wirelessly via Apple’s MagSafe charging standard since 2020, you still have to use a cable with the iPad tablets. An accessory specialist is now preparing to change this: with its own cases and chargers. These will offered for a whole range of different models.
star with magnets
The manufacturer Pitaka has named its ecosystem “MagEZ”. In order to use the technology, you always need two things: the said case – which is currently available for various iPad Pro variants, but is also to be released for the iPad Air and the iPad mini – and a charging stand or one loading puck.
A star-shaped pattern with magnets (instead of Apple’s round version) is attached to the back of each case. This connects to the opposite side of the charging stand or charging puck, as you are used to from MagSafe. A very flat USB-C connector in the form of a bar on the underside of the device is used to power the iPads. Pitaka also leaves room for accessories such as Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
Investing in an ecosystem
However, anyone who acquires the MagEZ technology must realize that they are investing in their own ecosystem that is only being driven by a smaller provider. In contrast to Apple’s MagSafe, there are no other manufacturers who use the standard. So you have to rely on Pitaka to keep doing a good job.
An adjustable desk charging stand that also comes with a Qi charging pad for a smartphone costs $100. It delivers 45 watts via an included power supply unit. For the case that is still necessary, an iPad Pro 12.9 (2022 / 2021), for example, costs 70 or 80 dollars. Currently, the entire current range of MagEZ products is only available via Amazon’s US store (for which shipping costs and customs are charged), but the hardware should gradually reach Amazon.de.
(bsc)
