Apple’s AirPower charger isn’t here yet, but promises — at a cost of $199 — to give owners of the iPhone 8/8 Plus/X, Apple Watch, and (with a special case) AirPods a way to wirelessly charge their mobile Apple gear. Plux has an Indiegogo campaign currently running that plans to beat Apple’s charger with more features and a much lower price point.
Plux is designed to charge a Qi-equipped iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods at the same time, with up to 10W of power. The power is important for fast charging, as Apple’s own device will apparently deliver on 7.5W to the devices. Included in the $39 “Super Early Bird” perk is the Plux wireless charging pad, a Type C cable for connecting the device to a power source, a stand converter that can place the charging pad in a vertical position, and a wireless receiver and holder for the AirPods.
Plux also claims that the charger will work with iPhone cases up to 3mm thick, so there’s no hassle with having to remove a case in order to wirelessly charge the device. The wireless receiver for the AirPods consists of a small Qi-compatible “antenna” that has a USB-C plug that fits into the charging socket on the bottom fo the AirPod case. A silicone sleeve covers the receiver.
The team behind Plux hopes to ship in April of 2018.
