Kuxiu charging stands not working with iPadOS 18.3 beta

Kuxiu charging pads won’t charge with iPadOS 18.3 beta

Owners of Kuxiu’s recent magnetic charging pads iPad models are complaining that their devices no longer charge after updating to iPadOS 18.3. It’s unclear if this is a beta bug.

Some accessory makers rely on workarounds that are not officially supported by Apple, but work thanks to technology that makes it possible. Typically, these workarounds work without problems, but not always.

Kuxiu offers a wide selection of magnetic iPad charging stands, AppleInsider covered with praise for the product. However, owners who updated iPadOS 18.3 beta report that the chargers no longer work.

It could be a simple bug, in which case just wait for Apple to fix the problem. As always, beta versions will be beta versions, so install them at your own risk.

Or, if Apple decides that such use of the Smart Connector is prohibited, it could fix the functionality of iPadOS 18.3.

Apple MFi Program

Apple has a third-party program for accessory manufacturers called MFi, or Made For iPhone, which allows companies to create certified accessories using proprietary technologies. Despite the name, the program applies to a range of Apple products.

iPad Smart Connector not listed MFI websitebut Apple has partners such as Logitech that use a proprietary connector. Kuxiu wasn’t shy about admitting that it had to reverse engineer the feature, so it clearly didn’t make it through Apple’s program.

This is also evidenced by the message that appears when you connect the iPad to the charging cradle, informing you that a Chinese keyboard is connected. This means that these stands tell the iPad that they are a keyboard, which can also lead to the hassle of an on-screen keyboard appearing when connected.

The devices seem harmless, but they bypass a possible source of Apple’s revenue, so there’s a chance Apple could prevent them from working. There is also an impendingHome hub“It could compete with stand-mounted iPads.

Let’s hope Apple doesn’t stop these chargers from working as they do offer an interesting use case for the iPad. AppleInsider turned to Kushu about this.