Of all the tech innovations I've seen evolve over the years, I think wireless charging might just about be the coolest. Being able to transfer power from one device to another without physically connecting them seems so damn sci-fi - even today.

Then Apple took a good idea and made it great - as Apple often does - with the introduction of its MagSafe accessories.

Think about it; you already had the magic of charging with no cables, then you add the magic of sticking one thing to another using magnets. That's double the magic!

And because Apple generally executes this kind of magic expertly and to the highest standard, I became instantly addicted to MagSafe as soon as I tried it.

I have a MagSafe charger on my desk, a MagSafe charging cradle in my car and a MagSafe charger on my bedside table.

This created its own issue - as a tech reviewer, I'm often using phones that aren't iPhones as my primary handset. Luckily, third-party accessory manufacturers have caught on and you can now buy MagSafe-compatible cases for most popular phones, Apple or not.

However, there's always room for improvement and the most recent generations of iPhone and Apple Watch have upgraded their wireless charging capacity. To make the most of this, you'll need an accessory like the latest charger from Twelve South.

 

The HiRise 3 Deluxe, like a host of similar chargers, lets you power up three devices simultaneously; typically a phone, an Apple Watch and a pair of earbuds. I say, "typically," because while the wireless charging pad at the back of the device is best suited for an AirPods case (or indeed any other kind of earbuds with wireless capacity), there's nothing stopping you setting a second handset down there instead.

That second phone will only charge at 7.5W, while the handset on the primary MagSafe charger will charge twice as fast - at 15W. This is as good as it gets when it comes to wireless charging an iPhone - but as I've already mentioned, with the right case you can charge other phones on this magnetic stand too.

Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the Apple Watch charging disc - for some reason smartwatch makers don't seem to play nicely with others, even in 2024. I don't know why every brand of smartwatch requires its own, specific charger but at least the latest Apple Watches charge a bit faster. However, those Apple Watches will only fast charge on a 5W charger like this one. Not all chargers, especially older ones, charge at this speed and it's almost impossible to tell them apart. Fun, right?

So if you're lucky enough to own the latest generations of iPhone Pro, Apple Watch and AirPods, this is the all-in-one charger that will get all three devices topped up at maximum speed. In order to do that though, it requires more power from the wall adapter than most standard USB bricks provide, so interestingly, Twelve South has gone with its own 36W adapter. This restricts things a little because you'll need to take the power adapter with you if you're travelling with the charger and it'll be a real pain if you lose it.

I'm not sure the HiRise 3 Deluxe is your ultimate travel companion anyway. Although the Apple Watch charger folds down flat into the base, the primary phone charger is up on a fairly tall stand and there doesn't seem to be any way to collapse this or even unscrew it. In saying that, the full range of international wall-socket configurations is included in the box so if you do pack it in your suitcase there'll be an option to fit any plug you're confronted with.

Not an issue for me though, as my HiRise 3 Deluxe isn't leaving my bedside table and there are several reasons why it has become my new favourite nighttime companion. Firstly, the front-to-back design of the charger means it takes up very little space on my nightstand - in fact, the base of the HiRise 3 Deluxe is smaller than an iPhone Pro Max if it was just sitting there charging by itself.

It also looks and feels as deluxe as its name implies, with everything except that confounded Apple Watch charging disc covered in soft vegan leather. Not only does this give a premium appearance but it's practical too, preventing any scratches on those shiny, glass-backed handsets.

The primary MagSafe charging disc also tilts through a range of 35° which means you should be able to face it directly at you - whether you're using the charger at your desk or down on a lower bedside table. This is more important than ever now iPhones feature StandBy Mode - the custom always-on display that triggers automatically when you attach an iPhone to a MagSafe charger in landscape profile. This way your phone becomes a calendar, photo frame, bedside clock or any of a growing list of other useful, widescreen widgets.

But the absolutely best thing about the HiRise 3 Deluxe is what it doesn't have; no annoying little status LED to tell you if it's powered on or charging. I've never understood these silly lights - you know if your device is charging because it's charging and with MagSafe, you're never in any doubt because your phone sits in the exactly right place every time. Nobody wants unnecessary illumination on their bedside table in the dark of night and it seems with this device, Twelve South has done the right thing and left the lights off.

I admit, NZ$279.95 is a lot to pay for a charger - in fact, it's a premium. But this is a truly premium device. I've been using wireless chargers for a long time now and one thing I've learned is you can do a lot of damage with cheap, unofficial knock-offs. Worse still, you might not be charging your devices as efficiently as possible. The HiRise 3 has been specifically designed to make the most of the latest and greatest Apple has to offer; faster wireless charging and both StandBy Mode and and Nightstand Mode for your iPhone and Apple Watch respectively. Best of all, you'll still have space on your bedside table for a lamp and your favourite book.

 

 

    

Click here for more information on the Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe.