Belkin UltraCharge Modular Dock Supports Multiple Smartwatches

Belkin has unveiled the UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock at CES 2026, addressing a significant gap in the current wireless charging market. While most 3-in-1 chargers support a variety of smartphones and wireless earbuds, they typically only accommodate one specific wearable: the Apple Watch. Belkin's new device breaks this pattern with a design that can accommodate different smartwatches.

The key innovation is the modular approach. Unlike proprietary systems, users will need to supply their own charging puck for their specific smartwatch. This flexibility allows the dock to work with various brands and models beyond the Apple ecosystem. Belkin expects the UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock to launch in "select markets" sometime in Q1 2026 with a retail price of $64.99. This positions it competitively against the Kuxiu X40 Turbo, which sells for $80 but folds up smaller for travel and maintains the Apple-only limitation.

The wireless charging industry has long been dominated by accessories designed primarily for Apple users. The UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock represents a shift toward universal compatibility. Most 3-in-1 chargers on the market today feature a dedicated spot for the Apple Watch, leaving users of other smartwatch brands without similar convenient charging solutions.

Belkin's approach solves this by making the wearable charging spot truly modular. The design accommodates different smartwatches, but the critical detail is that users must supply their own charging puck. This means the dock essentially provides the platform and power delivery, while the specific watch charger remains user-supplied. This strategy offers several advantages:

• Compatibility with various smartwatch brands and models
• Reduced electronic waste from redundant proprietary chargers
• Flexibility for users who switch between different wearable ecosystems
• Cost savings for users who already own working charging pucks

The modular design philosophy reflects a growing trend in consumer electronics toward repairability and customization. By decoupling the charging puck from the dock itself, Belkin creates a more sustainable product that can adapt to future smartwatch designs without requiring complete replacement of the charging station.

Belkin has priced the UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock at $64.99, strategically positioning it below premium competitors. The most direct comparison is the Kuxiu X40 Turbo, which retails for $80. However, the Kuxiu model offers a different value proposition: it folds up smaller for travel convenience, making it more portable but maintaining the Apple Watch limitation.

The pricing strategy suggests Belkin is targeting value-conscious consumers who want multi-device charging without the Apple premium. At nearly $15 less than the Kuxiu alternative, the UltraCharge provides:

• Multi-device charging capability (3-in-1 functionality)
• Broader smartwatch compatibility
• Competitive pricing in the premium accessory market

The launch plan focuses on "select markets" in Q1 2026. This phased rollout approach allows Belkin to gauge demand and refine distribution before a potential global expansion. Select market launches typically prioritize regions with high smartwatch adoption rates and strong consumer electronics retail presence.

Competition in the 3-in-1 charging space has intensified as more users accumulate multiple devices. The standard formula—phone, earbuds, and watch charging—has become a staple offering from brands like Belkin, Anker, and Mophie. However, the watch charging component remains the most proprietary element, often locked to specific ecosystems.

The UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock follows the established 3-in-1 form factor while introducing the modular watch charging element. While specific technical details beyond the modular capability weren't fully detailed in the announcement, the product category typically includes:

• Wireless charging pad for smartphones (Qi standard)
• Dedicated charging area for wireless earbuds
• Modular watch charging spot (user-supplied puck)

The modular design philosophy addresses a common pain point: proprietary chargers become obsolete when users switch devices. By requiring users to supply their own charging puck, Belkin ensures the dock remains useful across device generations and brand switches. This approach also reduces the manufacturing complexity of creating multiple SKUs for different watch brands.

For consumers, the main consideration is ensuring their existing charging puck is compatible with the dock's design. The success of this modular approach will depend on how well the dock accommodates various puck sizes and connection types. Belkin's design team likely engineered the watch charging area with adjustable or universal mounting to handle different puck dimensions.

The UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock is scheduled for release in Q1 2026 across select markets. This timing positions it for the post-holiday consumer electronics cycle, when users who received new devices are looking for charging solutions. The Q1 release window also allows Belkin to showcase the product at CES 2026 and build retail partnerships before the launch.

Market impact depends on several factors:

• Consumer adoption of non-Apple smartwatches in the target markets
• Retail pricing and promotional strategies
• Compatibility with popular charging puck designs
• Brand recognition in the wireless charging category

The product addresses a genuine market gap. While Apple Watch users have numerous 3-in-1 charging options, users of Wear OS devices, Garmin watches, Fitbit trackers, and other wearables have limited choices for consolidated charging. Belkin's modular approach could capture this underserved segment if execution matches the promise.

Success in select markets could lead to broader distribution later in 2026. The wireless charging accessory market continues to grow as device ecosystems expand, and products that offer genuine flexibility rather than ecosystem lock-in may find increasing consumer demand.

What makes the Belkin UltraCharge different from other 3-in-1 chargers?
The UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock supports multiple smartwatch brands, while most competitors only support the Apple Watch. Users supply their own charging puck, making it compatible with various wearable devices.

When will the UltraCharge be available?
Belkin expects the UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock to launch in select markets sometime in Q1 2026.

How much will it cost?
The UltraCharge Modular Charging Dock will sell for $64.99, which is slightly cheaper than the $80 Kuxiu X40 Turbo.