The short version
- Peak Design introduces a new line of wireless charging accessories featuring Qi2.3 certification and premium aluminum construction.
- The Wireless Kickstand Travel Battery offers 25W charging speeds when connected to power, distinguishing it from typical smaller capacity batteries.
- A matching charging station and ultra-thin GaN adapter complete the ecosystem, available for purchase starting in early November.
Peak Design, a company primarily recognized for its high-end camera bags and travel gear, has broadened its product scope to include wireless charging accessories. The brand announced a new collection designed to merge durable materials with advanced functionality, challenging the prevailing market norm that daily electronic peripherals should be inexpensive and disposable. Peter Dering, the founder and chief executive officer of Peak Design, stated that the company did not intend to simply add another set of chargers to the market. Instead, the goal was to demonstrate how much better these ubiquitous products could be constructed and engineered.
Central to this launch is the Wireless Kickstand Travel Battery, priced at $99.95. This device houses a 5,000mAh battery within a magnetic casing made from machined anodized aluminum. It features a folding kickstand for versatile positioning and comes in black or moon cream finishes. Peak Design claims this is the first wireless charger certified for the Qi2.3 standard, the most recent iteration of the wireless charging specification. This certification allows the device to wirelessly charge compatible gadgets at 25 watts, but only when it is simultaneously connected to a USB power source.
The ability to deliver 25W wireless output from a 5,000mAh cell is notable because most batteries of this size cannot safely sustain such high charging speeds. Typically, higher wattage wireless charging is reserved for larger power banks with capacities of at least 10,000mAh. When operating solely on its internal battery without an external power connection, the Wireless Kickstand Travel Battery limits its wireless output to 15 watts. This distinction highlights a trade-off between portability and peak performance, requiring users to plug in the device to achieve maximum charging speeds.
Complementing the travel battery is the Wireless Charging Station 2-in-1, also retailing for $99.95. This accessory supports the Qi2.2 standard and includes two separate wireless charging pads capable of delivering 25 watts each simultaneously. The base pad is integrated into a die-cast aluminum and zinc structure, while the second pad is mounted on an adjustable arm that folds flat. This design choice aims to reduce the footprint of the station for easier transport, aligning with Peak Design’s focus on travel-friendly equipment. Like the battery, it is available in black or moon cream options.
Neither of the new wireless devices includes a power adapter in the box. However, Peak Design has introduced a Dual Slim Charger to pair with them. Priced at $64.95, this adapter utilizes gallium nitride technology to achieve a thickness of just half an inch while delivering up to 65 watts of power through two USB-C ports. This compact form factor is designed to fit seamlessly with the aesthetic and functional requirements of the new wireless accessories, ensuring users have a complete charging solution without bulky traditional bricks.
The accessory lineup also includes a range of UltraStrand USB-C cables, priced between $24.95 and $39.95. These cables are offered in various lengths to suit different needs. The 60-watt version, which supports data transfer speeds of 480Mbps, is available in lengths from 15 centimeters up to 2 meters. A higher-performance option supporting 240 watts and 40Gbps data speeds is offered in shorter lengths, ranging from 15 centimeters to one meter. These cables are designed to match the durability and premium feel of the charging hardware.
Availability for the new products varies slightly across the lineup. Most of the chargers and accessories began shipping immediately upon announcement. However, the Wireless Kickstand Travel Battery and specific lengths of the UltraStrand USB-C cables will not be available until November 5th. This staggered release suggests potential supply chain considerations or final quality checks for certain components. The launch marks a significant shift for Peak Design, moving beyond camera-specific gear into the broader consumer electronics space with a focus on premium materials and advanced charging standards.
The introduction of these products reflects a growing trend in the tech industry toward higher-quality peripherals that match the build quality of flagship devices. By leveraging newer wireless standards like Qi2.3 and efficient GaN technology, Peak Design is positioning itself against competitors who often prioritize cost reduction over material durability. The success of this venture will depend on whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for charging accessories that offer marginal performance gains but superior construction and design integration.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Verge↗Peak Design expands its collection of wireless charging accessories
