Hands on with the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4

Hands on with the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. After Apple wrapped up its "Surprise and shine" event today, we were able to get a look at the new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4. Both of the new watches launch September 18th, with preorders available starting today. The Apple Watch Series 12 once again starts at $399 for the aluminum case option […]

What happened

RelatedmacOS 27 is available nowThe iOS 27 update will be available for iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd gen) and later devices, with watchOS 27 available for Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 9 and above, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and above. iPadOS 27 is available for iPad Pro (4th generation and later, M1 and later), iPad Air (4th generation and later, M2 and later), iPad mini (6th generation, A17 Pro), and the base iPad (9th generation and later, A16). It recharges your iPhone at up to 15-watt charging speed and can also fast-charge the Apple Watch Series 7 or newer (and older Apple Watch models at a slower rate).

This is on former reviews editor Adrienne So's bedside table, and it recharges her Apple Watch Ultra 2 from 70 percent to full in around 30 minutes. NewsTechAppleApple releases iOS 27 with Siri AI overhaulwatchOS 27, iPadOS 27, and visionOS 27 also debut today. watchOS 27, iPadOS 27, and visionOS 27 also debut today. by Tom WarrenSep 14, 2026, 5:08 PM UTCThe iOS 27 update arrives just in time for the iPhone 18 Pro release. Apple is now rolling out its iOS 27 update to compatible devices today, alongside the watchOS 27, iPadOS 27, and visionOS 27 updates.

Everything sits securely in place, and you can even flip your iPhone into landscape orientation to watch a video while it charges or to trigger StandBy mode, a feature Apple added in iOS 17 that turns the iPhone into a clock on your nightstand with weather information when you put it in landscape orientation on a wireless charger. (The screen dims if you have an iPhone with an always-on display; if not, you can tap the screen to see the time. ) The braided USB-C cable is permanently attached.

5 meters)Warranty: 2 yearsFastest ChargingPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistNomadStand One Max$169 NomadFor speedy charging (Qi2 25W for your iPhone and fast charging for your Apple Watch) in a seriously classy, glossy black design reminiscent of a Steinway grand piano, Nomad’s new Stand One Max is an excellent 3-in-1 charger.

The wider picture

The pad is angled to accommodate landscape or portrait orientation for your iPhone (or other Qi2 phone), and the Apple Watch puck sits up for Nightstand mode, with a subtle hollow behind it for your wireless earbuds case. The Apple Watch charger is a separate unit that slots into the back. 5 meters)Warranty: 1 yearBest 3-in-1 Pad ChargerPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistNimblePodium 3-in-1 Wireless Charger$130 $117 (10% off) Amazon$140 Nimble$140 AppleMaybe you don’t want to see your phone or watch screen when you’re trying to sleep.

The phone and Apple Watch pads can also pop up to use StandBy or Nightstand mode on your devices, though, if you want. It supports Qi2 25W to fast charge your iPhone, with pads for AirPods and an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch charging is slow though, so it's best left overnight. You also get a fast-charging Apple Watch shelf tucked around back and a standard 5-watt AirPods pad below. Attached to the bottom section of the pole is the Apple Watch charger, which supports fast charging.

What has been reported

5 meters)Warranty: 2 yearsBest 2-in-1 ChargersPhotograph: Simon HillPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistZensNightstand Charger Pro 2$100 Amazon$100 ZensWith a weighty base, an adjustable Qi2/MagSafe charging pad, and a fold-out Apple Watch charger around the back, this Zens 2-in-1 is ideal for folks with an iPhone and Apple Watch. The Apple Watch pad folds out of the back, tucking your watch out of sight and allowing room for the strap to droop. Sadly, this has a barrel port for the provided cable and charger (USB-C would be better), the Apple Watch charger can be a little stiff and tricky to fold out, and it’s pricey, but I love the quality, look, and feel.

What's also great is the spare USB-C port—you can pop in a cable to charge your Apple Watch at 5 watts (or another device); it just won't charge very fast. (Belkin also has a 3-in-1 version of this model if you want a dedicated spot for the Apple Watch. ) Best of all, Belkin includes a very compact 45-watt power adapter and a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is better than many other wireless chargers that cost more.

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Dock with MagSafe for $120: This was our old 2-in-1 pick for iPhone and Apple Watch. I like the soft-touch finish, the pad on top can move through 70 degrees, and the shelf for your Apple Watch works with any strap. A USB-C port allows you to charge something else, such as an Apple Watch, and you get a 5-foot USB-C cable and 30W power supply in the box. There is also a 3-in-1 pad ($110) that adds an Apple Watch charger on the right side.

What happens next

Your Qi2 phone can charge at up to 15 watts; there’s a fast-charging Apple Watch pad that pops up around the back, and the space in the middle can charge AirPods at 5 watts. OtterBox 3-in-1 Charging Stand for $140: This solid, fairly compact aluminum 3-in-1 charging station can charge all your Apple gadgets (25W for iPhone, 5W for Apple Watch, 5W for AirPods) and comes with a 6. The integrated Apple Watch charger allows for Nightstand mode, but it is the weak link here, and I sometimes find my watch twists slightly.

It supports Apple Watch fast charging, but I didn’t like the way my Apple Watch tended to tilt to one side, and the charging pad positions are fixed (you can’t change the angle). On the base is a fast charger for the Apple Watch that you can flip up, and the back has a spot for the AirPods or another wireless earbuds case. Photograph: Simon HillAnker Prime 3-in-1 Charging Station for $230: Sporting a tree design similar to our top pick from Belkin, the very latest Qi2 25W charging, fast Apple Watch charging, active cooling, and an interactive display, this is perhaps the most feature-packed 3-in-1 charger on the market.

It just misses out on a place above because of the offset pad for the Apple Watch.

The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across theverge.com, wired.com. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.