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Twelve South launches new PowerBug – a wall charger with a Qi2 MagSafe pad and a bonus USB-C port

Following the debut of its PowerCord, today Twelve South is introducing another all-new charging device known as PowerBug. Effectively combining a wall adapter with 15W Qi2 power, the new all-in-one Twelve South device launches today in two colors to deliver a “MagSafe charger that floats with you.” It is now available for purchase at Amazon and directly from Twelve South.

Twelve South’s new PowerBug

PowerBug features a set of fold flat prongs that pop out and connect directly to the outlet in your wall, or anywhere you might need to tap into one. But unlike your typical wall charger, this one includes both a USB-C PD port with 35W charging and PPS support alongside a 15W Qi2 MagSafe pad built right into the front face of the device. 

Imagine a charger that doesn’t just sit on your desk, it floats with you. Whether you’re on a FaceTime call, streaming your favorite show, checking a recipe mid-cook, or glancing at your calendar in StandBy modem PowerBug keeps your device upright, accessible, and charging.

If you immediately start thinking about this device being used in one of those wall outlets half a foot from the floor resting just above your base boards, it might perhaps seem a touch odd to connect your iPhone to its MagSafe pad. But, among a plethora of convenient use case scenarios while traveling outside of your home base, instead think about using it up closer to eye level.

A person taking a picture of a food on a cutting board

You can quickly dock your iPhone directly to the plug in the kitchen to follow along with recipes while you’re cooking or just to get it up off the countertop while you’re listening to a podcast or something like that. 

A person holding a phone in front of a mirror

Or, as seen above, docking your device in the outlet in the washroom while you’re getting ready in the morning or to go out for the night. 

I guess you could just lug your MagSafe charging stand around to where you need it, but I mean you’re still going to have to deal with the cable and, I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to have to move mine from my office or night stand to the kitchen and washroom or anywhere else this far more compact PowerBug solution is better suited. 

A cell phone charging on a counter

Features at a glance:

  • 15W Qi2 wireless pad for MagSafe and Qi2-enabled devices
  • USB-C PD port with 35W fast charging & PPS support
  • StandBy Mode compatibility for smart, hands-free display
  • Folds flat with stowable prongs — ideal for travel
  • Two color options: Slate & Dune

The new Twelve South PowerBug launches today in Slate or Dune colorways for $49.99 shipped via Amazon and directly from Twelve South.  

While I haven’t had long enough to really put it to the test, the early hands-on experience has been a positive one thus far. It is perhaps a more niche charging product for some, but I have already enjoyed having a place to rest my phone while getting ready to go out or up on the wall in the kitchen while preparing dinner. The whole thing has worked exactly as intended thus far and you can expect a complete review in the coming days/week.

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Avatar for Justin Kahn Justin Kahn

Justin is a senior deal Jedi over at 9to5Toys where he heads up our game/app coverage and more. He also covers all things music for 9to5Mac, including the weekly Logic Pros series exploring music production on Mac and iOS devices