iPads don’t support wireless charging, but these cases and accessories can change that
Seen in the hands of kids at the grocery store, at the checkout counter of your favorite small business and even on the International Space Station, the Apple iPad dominates the tablet market.
While Apple rolls out updated versions regularly, a feature that is sorely missing from the current iPad lineup is wireless charging. Thankfully, you can beat Apple to the punch with iPad cases and accessories that let you charge your tablet without having to search for a cable.
Wireless charging in a nutshell
Wireless charging pads emit an electromagnetic field. When a compatible device is placed in proximity to this field, a current is created that provides power to its battery. While the charging pad itself needs to be plugged in, there is no physical connection between it and the device being charged. Charging begins when your phone, tablet or earbud case is set on the pad and stops as soon as it is removed.
How wireless iPad charging cases work
IPads do not contain the parts needed for wireless charging. As a workaround, accessory manufacturers build the required technology into cases that seamlessly fit around your tablet. The cases connect your iPad’s port to an internal receiver, thus allowing you to place your device on a charging pad or cradle to power up with ease.
What to look for in wireless charging iPad cases and accessories
Compatibility
With so many iPad versions in circulation, it can be challenging to find the right cases and accessories for your model. Carefully read all of the manufacturer’s information to ensure that the item you want will properly fit your iPad.
Magnets
Some wireless charging iPad cases include magnets that keep them firmly stuck to their charging pad or platform. This prevents the iPad from slipping off and leaving you with a dead battery.
Size and shape
Companies offer cases with various degrees of shielding and bulk. Consider what you will be using your iPad for to determine how much protection your device will need.
Aesthetics
The huge range of case options let you personalize your iPad with various colors, patterns and styles. Wirelessly charging iPad cases and docks are in limited supply, however, so your choices will be limited.
Pencil holder
For users of the iPad Pro, a case that features a holder for the Apple Pencil offers a convenient way to prevent it from getting lost in a bag or pocket.
Wireless charging alternatives
Because the industry expects Apple to announce a wirelessly charging iPad, there aren’t a lot of wireless charging cases and accessories to choose from. Some options also require you to purchase separate docks or pads to work around the iPad’s limitations. If you’re looking for the convenience of wireless charging without the fuss, you can purchase a dock or cradle to hold your iPad in place and power it up without plugging it in.
FAQ
Q. When will there be an iPad that allows for wireless charging?
A. Likely soon. While Apple values secrecy when it comes to announcing product updates, it is widely expected that future iPad models will be compatible with their MagSafe wireless charging platforms.
Q. How close does my device have to be to the pad to charge wirelessly?
A. Your iPad needs to be placed directly on the pad to charge. The electromagnetic field that wireless charging pads create has a very short range.
Q. Is wireless charging safe?
A. Yes. Your iPad will not be damaged while charging wirelessly. Additionally, those with health concerns can rest easy, as the radiation emitted by these devices is too low to pose any risk.
Best iPad wireless charging cases and accessories
[ CTA Wireless Inductive iPad Charging Case and Base ]
Great for business owners, this all-in-one option comes with a case and a dock that your iPad connects to magnetically. You can easily slip your tablet off the dock and carry it, thanks to its included hand strap.
Sold by Amazon
[ iPort Luxe Case ]
The foundation of iPort’s wireless iPad charging system, this great-looking case keeps your iPad looking slim. It connects magnetically to iPort’s Luxe BaseStation or WallStation for wireless charging.
Sold by Amazon
If you want to charge your iPad on a table or desk, you’ll need this platform to utilize your iPort Luxe case. It is available in black or white and has a modern, minimalist look to match your other Apple devices.
Sold by Amazon
To mount your iPort Luxe case to a wall or other vertical surface, you will need the WallStation. Magnets keep your tablet safely in place at eye level and the WallStation’s small size keeps everything tidy.
Sold by Amazon
Wireless charging alternatives
[ Logitech Base Charging Stand For iPad ]
While it doesn’t use wireless charging technology, this cradle from Logitech still lets you place your iPad on it to power it up without a cable. It looks great on your desk and makes it easy to use your iPad as an additional monitor.
Sold by Logitech
[ Kensington iPad Docking Station ]
This dock is for the professional user and features USB, USB-C, HDMI and headphone jacks. A wireless charging pad below the tablet lets you power up your iPhone, AirPods and more.
Sold by Amazon
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Derek Walborn writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
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