Native Union DOCK+ LIGHTNING review

One of the perks about going back to the iPhone is the huge world of Apple-centric accessories. Julie and I both looked awhile for a USB-C dock for our Nexus 6p‘s and failed to find one that was even halfway worthy. But thankfully there are many charging stands and holders created specifically for iOS devices. In this case, I will be reviewing the Native Union DOCK+ Lightning charging stand to power-up and securely/safely hold my fancy new 7 Plus. 

The Native Union DOCK+ Lightning charging stand is comprised of four pieces: weighted silicone base, “slice” of aircraft grade aluminum for back support, plastic adapters and color-matched, reinforced Lightning cable. The base has a solid quality feel and good hefty weight to it. The silicone covering the base is soft and should not scratch or mar your iOS device. Though if your unprotected iDevice impacted the aluminum back plate too fast it would definitely leave a mark…but I would call that operator error more than anything 😉 .

In the Box:

• Native Union Lightning DOCK+
• Aluminum back rest/support
• Color-matched Lightning cable
• Three case adapters and base holder for them

The DOCK+ is engineered to work with any Lightning enabled Apple device from the iPhone 5/5S/SE to the 9.7″ iPad Pro (not sure if the 12.9″ Pro will fit or would perhaps topple over due to its weight). Native Union includes three plastic adapters that tweaks the distance the Lightning plug is from the back support.

The three adapters can accommodate naked iPhones/iPads/iPods to iOS devices with cases up to 3.5mm thick. The official Native Union compatibility list for the DOCK+ Lightning include: iPhone 5/5s, iPhone 6/6s, iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPad 4, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini (all generations), iPod Touch (5th generation or higher), iPod Nano (7th generation or higher), Apple Magic Keyboard, Apple Magic Trackpad 2, Apple Magic Mouse 2 (if you remove the DOCK’s back-plate), Apple TV Remove with Touch (for 4th generation Apple TV), and the Apple Smart Battery Case.

Here is the middle adapter working very well with my iPhone 7 Plus wearing an Apple leather case.

The DOCK+ is available in Slate/Space Gray, Stone/Rose Gold, and Midnight Blue/Gold.  Native Union has recently released a special edition DOCK+ cut from solid marble, available in black or white stone. They also feature matching stands to hold and charge your Apple Watch as well.

The Native Union DOCK+ Lightning is an excellent addition to any desk, nightstand, kitchen, or flat surface, providing a sleek and stable base for charging your iPhone or iPad. The DOCK+ is very well made with a solid utilitarian design that works well in nearly any setting. For the most part, I prefer having dedicated locations for all my tech so I know where it is and that it is out of harm’s way in my hectic life. The DOCK+ Lightning does all that and  charges my iPhone while doing it.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Native Union. Please visit their website for more info and Amazon to order.