There are new shiny iPhones, so Apple is making you pay more for older models

There are new shiny iPhones, so Apple is making you pay more for older models. 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).

What happened

Apple is raising the price of its existing iPhone models by $100, including iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and iPhone Air. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianReviewPixel 11 Pro Fold review: the foldable with the best triple cameraBig screen folder with slick software and advanced AI is just like a regular Android when closedGoogle’s latest folding phone sticks with its tried and tested design of a traditional phone shape when closed and almost square when open, in the face of new competition from Apple’s squat iPhone fold.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is Google’s fourth-generation folder and is still one of the only models with a full water and dust resistance rating similar to standard slab phones. Unlike Samsung’s slender Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra or squat models such as Apple’s iPhone Duo or the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Pixel has the same ratio screen as Google’s slab phones and so handles precisely like them when shut with a bright and smooth 6.

The 11 Pro Fold looks identical to previous models, but it is 19g lighter and fractionally slimmer in all directions with a slightly larger outside screen. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The GuardianThe 11 Pro Fold has the same Tensor G6 chip from the other Pixel 11 models with 16GB of memory, which works very well for all kinds of multitasking, remaining snappy and responsive with multiple apps on screen. The 11 Pro Fold will be supported until August 2033 with operating system and security updates, making it one of the longest supported devices available.

The wider picture

Why deal with all that hassle when the best 3-in-1 Apple charging stations can accommodate everything? Our Best Wireless Chargers guide has a few recommendations, but many more great docking systems exist for Apple devices. After years of testing 3-in-1 Apple charging stations, these are my favorites. If you want one you can take on a trip, check out my new Best Apple 3-in-1 Travel Chargers guide. Be sure to read our other Apple guides, including the Best MagSafe Wireless Chargers, Best MagSafe Power Banks, Best MagSafe Accessories, Best iPhone 17 Cases, and Best iPad Accessories.

Updated September 2026: I added chargers from Nimble, Mophie, Journey, and OtterBox, removed some older devices, and updated prices. Best OverallPhotograph: Simon HillSave to wishlistBelkin3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand$90 Amazon$80 Best Buy$110 BelkinThis classy chrome charging tree suspends two of your Apple gadgets in midair, with a spot for the AirPods case on the broad circular base. 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.

What has been reported

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 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. The flat phone charging pad can also charge any older Qi devices you have.

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.

What happens next

2, branded as Qi2 25W, which can charge compatible iPhones and Qi2 phones at up to 25 watts (I tested with the Pixel 10 Pro XL). 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. 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.

The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across theguardian.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.