With the Apple Watch released a few weeks ago and still making its way to customers around the world, Twelve South has started shipping its signature HiRise dock designed for any Apple Watch model. While the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable offers a simple and convenient way of juicing the device even in the dark, the issues with Appleâs MagSafe technology still remain including an overly easy way to accidentally remove the charging magnet from the Apple Watch.
While HiRise still uses the same charging cable, its form factor helps alleviate the issue of your watch separating from the power source while offering a more attractive presentation of your Apple Watch. With its $50 asking price, though, how does Twelve South HiRise for Apple Watch stack up as one of the first charging stands? Read on for the details and more photosâ¦
Â
Â
Â
Â
Charging the Apple Watch without a dock can result in a few annoyances: the MagSafe end easily detaches from the watch with any amount of pull, the magnet itself isnât weighted much so it can easily slide off a bedside table, and you have to snap the MagSafe end to the watch rather than quickly dropping the watch onto a bigger target.
HiRise carries a sturdy build at just over 0.41-pounds to tackle the sliding issue, and Apple Watch rests on the stand (supported by magnet) offering a larger, stationary drop zone for charging.
HiRise does require a slight amount of assembly as it ships in three main pieces with an optional (and spare) screw and tool to secure the base if needed. A simple setup guide walks you through each step of assembly; no tools are required aside from the optional hardware thatâs included. Youâll just want to make sure you have an available Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable on hand before you put HiRise together.
The simple assembly process consists of four quick steps. First, you position the arm part of the charging stand to fit angled onto the base. The arm will stand on its own once positioned properly. Second, youâll need to position the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable into the coin-like slot with the concave side facing outward, then run the cord tightly through the pre-cut groove along the arm and the base.
This process is perhaps the trickiest as the cable tries to resist the angles necessary for concealing it. The optional screw can be used to secure the pieces together if the cable offers too much resistance, but this means your charging cable is more difficult to access if you plan on frequently removing it. Finally, the base snaps into place to hide the embedded cable.
While HiRise benefits from its metal frame with added weight and sturdiness, Twelve South chose plastic to line the areas of the stand where both your watch and band will make contact. This addresses a factor each Apple Watch charging stand will need to consider: metal on metal easily scratches stainless steel. Twelve South highlights that HiRise can support any Apple Watch (aluminum, stainless steel, or gold) and any band material (rubber, leather, or metal).
HiRise looks like it can easily collapse into a flat, compact position for easily packing it into a bag or suitcase during travel, but be sure to note that its position is completely fixed. A future iteration could perhaps incorporate an unseen hinge of sorts for making HiRise more travel-worthy, especially since itâs a bit of a hassle to remove your cable if you donât have a spare handy.
Overall, HiRise is an attractive charging stand that offers a more convenient experience for showcasing and juicing your Apple Watch when you arenât wearing it. The materials resemble the existing line of HiRise docks including the HiRise for iPhone, which brings up another point.
The stainless steel Apple Watch collection varies from the look of the aluminum Mac- and iPhone-like HiRise stands made by Twelve South, which means the HiRise for Apple Watch matches closer to the Sport version. HiRise still provides a solid presentation and the available black option may match closer with the stainless steel watches (and be my preference), but I believe an opportunity for a more premium (and pricier) HiRise presents itself.
The ultimate test of HiRiseâs utility and usefulness is this: after using it for several nights in a row then returning to just using Appleâs charging cable on my nightstand, I immediately missed having the HiRise on my bedside table. After taking my Apple Watch off its charger the first morning without HiRise, the magnetic end of the cable slid off the table onto the floor.
HiRise for Apple Watch is among the first charging stands to start shipping to customers so thereâs not yet much competition to compare it to, but its a solid solution on its own with an asking price the same but perhaps more reasonable than Appleâs Sport band. If youâre considering a useful accessory for your new Apple Watch whether itâs already arrived or still making its way to you, Twelve Southâs HiRise for Apple Watch is a worthy charging stand.
The best Apple Watch stands and docks
The best Apple Watch accessories: bands, cases, docks, screen protectors  more
Those wanting a phone+watch stand are a bit misguided also. The only usable configuration is side-by-side anyway. Thereâs at least one stand which has the watch positioned above the phone, and it demands that the watch is re-clasped, and positioned sideways⦠making the watch completely unusable while docked.
I donât want my iPhone anywhere near the watch while Iâm sleeping either. The Apple Watch still functions perfectly with an iPhone with several rooms of separation. Per the folding idea: If you really want to take this while youâre traveling (I wouldnâtâ" thatâs what a spare MagSafe charger is for), just lay the stand on its side in a suitcase. If you donât have the room in your luggage for this standâs thin form and small footprintâ" you must not be going very far⦠Or youâre worried about some âsticky-fingeredâ TSA Agent.
I would love the price to be less as well (who wouldnâtâ" except the company?), but I own several Twelve South products⦠And Iâve never had one fail or fail to prove to me they werenât worth every penny I paid for them. I like smart, sturdy, well-made products. Twelve South always delivers.