×
AI startup Rocket offers vibe McKinsey-style reports at a fraction of the cost | TechCrunch
Indian startup Rocket is betting that the next big opportunity is the part before vibe coding: having AI help people decide what to build. It has launched a platform that produces consulting-style product strategies.

The startup, based in Surat, India, on Tuesday launched its platform, Rocket 1.0, which connects research, product building, and competitive intelligence in a single workflow. The platform generates detailed product strategy documents — including pricing, unit economics, and go-to-market recommendations.







As AI-powered coding tools proliferate — from platforms like Cursor, Replit, and Lovable to features such as Claude Code and Codex — writing code has become significantly easier and faster. “Everyone can generate the code now… it has become a commodity. But what to build is something which everyone is missing,” said Rocket co-founder and CEO Vishal Virani (pictured above), adding that “running a business and just building a codebase are two different things.”

TechCrunch briefly tested Rocket’s platform ahead of its launch and found that it generated product requirement documents in PDF format from simple prompts. These documents resemble consulting-style reports rather than vibe coding tools or chatbots, which largely focus on features and execution. 

However, some of the analysis appeared to be synthesized from existing data — combining known pricing models, user behavior patterns, and competitive insights — rather than based on independently verifiable information. This  suggests users may still need to validate outputs before making business decisions. Virani said the platform can offer human support when users encounter issues.

Rocket’s platform generates consulting-style reports Based on text prompts given by usersImage Credits:Rocket

The product can also track competitors, including changes to their websites and traffic trends. Rocket draws on more than 1,000 data sources for its analysis, including Meta’s ad libraries, Similarweb’s API, and its own crawlers, Virani said.

Rocket’s subscription plans range from  per month for building applications to 0 for strategy and research capabilities, and up to 0 for the full platform, including competitive intelligence.

	
		
		Techcrunch event
		
			
			
									San Francisco, CA
													|
													October 13-15, 2026
							
			
		
	


The 0 plan can generate two to three “McKinsey-grade” research reports alongside product builds, Virani told TechCrunch, positioning its higher-tier offerings as a lower-cost alternative to traditional consulting, which often costs thousands of dollars for similar strategy work.

Rocket raised a  million seed round in September from Accel, Salesforce Ventures, and Together Fund. Since then, the startup says it has grown from 400,000 to over 1.5 million users across 180 countries. It also reported an annualized average revenue per user in the ~,000 range, though it did not disclose detailed paying customer numbers. The startup said it operates at gross margins of over 50%, with 20–30% of its customers being small- and medium-sized businesses.

Rocket has a team of 57 employees and is headquartered in Surat, with operations in Palo Alto.
#startup #Rocket #offers #vibe #McKinseystyle #reports #fraction #cost #TechCrunchrocket,vibe coding

AI startup Rocket offers vibe McKinsey-style reports at a fraction of the cost | TechCrunch

Indian startup Rocket is betting that the next big opportunity is the part before vibe coding: having AI help people decide what to build. It has launched a platform that produces consulting-style product strategies.

The startup, based in Surat, India, on Tuesday launched its platform, Rocket 1.0, which connects research, product building, and competitive intelligence in a single workflow. The platform generates detailed product strategy documents — including pricing, unit economics, and go-to-market recommendations.

As AI-powered coding tools proliferate — from platforms like Cursor, Replit, and Lovable to features such as Claude Code and Codex — writing code has become significantly easier and faster. “Everyone can generate the code now… it has become a commodity. But what to build is something which everyone is missing,” said Rocket co-founder and CEO Vishal Virani (pictured above), adding that “running a business and just building a codebase are two different things.”

TechCrunch briefly tested Rocket’s platform ahead of its launch and found that it generated product requirement documents in PDF format from simple prompts. These documents resemble consulting-style reports rather than vibe coding tools or chatbots, which largely focus on features and execution.

However, some of the analysis appeared to be synthesized from existing data — combining known pricing models, user behavior patterns, and competitive insights — rather than based on independently verifiable information. This suggests users may still need to validate outputs before making business decisions. Virani said the platform can offer human support when users encounter issues.

AI startup Rocket offers vibe McKinsey-style reports at a fraction of the cost | TechCrunch
Indian startup Rocket is betting that the next big opportunity is the part before vibe coding: having AI help people decide what to build. It has launched a platform that produces consulting-style product strategies.

The startup, based in Surat, India, on Tuesday launched its platform, Rocket 1.0, which connects research, product building, and competitive intelligence in a single workflow. The platform generates detailed product strategy documents — including pricing, unit economics, and go-to-market recommendations.







As AI-powered coding tools proliferate — from platforms like Cursor, Replit, and Lovable to features such as Claude Code and Codex — writing code has become significantly easier and faster. “Everyone can generate the code now… it has become a commodity. But what to build is something which everyone is missing,” said Rocket co-founder and CEO Vishal Virani (pictured above), adding that “running a business and just building a codebase are two different things.”

TechCrunch briefly tested Rocket’s platform ahead of its launch and found that it generated product requirement documents in PDF format from simple prompts. These documents resemble consulting-style reports rather than vibe coding tools or chatbots, which largely focus on features and execution. 

However, some of the analysis appeared to be synthesized from existing data — combining known pricing models, user behavior patterns, and competitive insights — rather than based on independently verifiable information. This  suggests users may still need to validate outputs before making business decisions. Virani said the platform can offer human support when users encounter issues.

Rocket’s platform generates consulting-style reports Based on text prompts given by usersImage Credits:Rocket

The product can also track competitors, including changes to their websites and traffic trends. Rocket draws on more than 1,000 data sources for its analysis, including Meta’s ad libraries, Similarweb’s API, and its own crawlers, Virani said.

Rocket’s subscription plans range from  per month for building applications to 0 for strategy and research capabilities, and up to 0 for the full platform, including competitive intelligence.

	
		
		Techcrunch event
		
			
			
									San Francisco, CA
													|
													October 13-15, 2026
							
			
		
	


The 0 plan can generate two to three “McKinsey-grade” research reports alongside product builds, Virani told TechCrunch, positioning its higher-tier offerings as a lower-cost alternative to traditional consulting, which often costs thousands of dollars for similar strategy work.

Rocket raised a  million seed round in September from Accel, Salesforce Ventures, and Together Fund. Since then, the startup says it has grown from 400,000 to over 1.5 million users across 180 countries. It also reported an annualized average revenue per user in the ~,000 range, though it did not disclose detailed paying customer numbers. The startup said it operates at gross margins of over 50%, with 20–30% of its customers being small- and medium-sized businesses.

Rocket has a team of 57 employees and is headquartered in Surat, with operations in Palo Alto.
#startup #Rocket #offers #vibe #McKinseystyle #reports #fraction #cost #TechCrunchrocket,vibe coding
Rocket’s platform generates consulting-style reports Based on text prompts given by usersImage Credits:Rocket

The product can also track competitors, including changes to their websites and traffic trends. Rocket draws on more than 1,000 data sources for its analysis, including Meta’s ad libraries, Similarweb’s API, and its own crawlers, Virani said.

Rocket’s subscription plans range from $25 per month for building applications to $250 for strategy and research capabilities, and up to $350 for the full platform, including competitive intelligence.

Techcrunch event

San Francisco, CA | October 13-15, 2026

The $250 plan can generate two to three “McKinsey-grade” research reports alongside product builds, Virani told TechCrunch, positioning its higher-tier offerings as a lower-cost alternative to traditional consulting, which often costs thousands of dollars for similar strategy work.

Rocket raised a $15 million seed round in September from Accel, Salesforce Ventures, and Together Fund. Since then, the startup says it has grown from 400,000 to over 1.5 million users across 180 countries. It also reported an annualized average revenue per user in the ~$4,000 range, though it did not disclose detailed paying customer numbers. The startup said it operates at gross margins of over 50%, with 20–30% of its customers being small- and medium-sized businesses.

Rocket has a team of 57 employees and is headquartered in Surat, with operations in Palo Alto.

#startup #Rocket #offers #vibe #McKinseystyle #reports #fraction #cost #TechCrunchrocket,vibe coding

Indian startup Rocket is betting that the next big opportunity is the part before vibe coding: having AI help people decide what to build. It has launched a platform that produces consulting-style product strategies.

The startup, based in Surat, India, on Tuesday launched its platform, Rocket 1.0, which connects research, product building, and competitive intelligence in a single workflow. The platform generates detailed product strategy documents — including pricing, unit economics, and go-to-market recommendations.

As AI-powered coding tools proliferate — from platforms like Cursor, Replit, and Lovable to features such as Claude Code and Codex — writing code has become significantly easier and faster. “Everyone can generate the code now… it has become a commodity. But what to build is something which everyone is missing,” said Rocket co-founder and CEO Vishal Virani (pictured above), adding that “running a business and just building a codebase are two different things.”

TechCrunch briefly tested Rocket’s platform ahead of its launch and found that it generated product requirement documents in PDF format from simple prompts. These documents resemble consulting-style reports rather than vibe coding tools or chatbots, which largely focus on features and execution.

However, some of the analysis appeared to be synthesized from existing data — combining known pricing models, user behavior patterns, and competitive insights — rather than based on independently verifiable information. This suggests users may still need to validate outputs before making business decisions. Virani said the platform can offer human support when users encounter issues.

Rocket’s platform generates consulting-style reports Based on text prompts given by usersImage Credits:Rocket

The product can also track competitors, including changes to their websites and traffic trends. Rocket draws on more than 1,000 data sources for its analysis, including Meta’s ad libraries, Similarweb’s API, and its own crawlers, Virani said.

Rocket’s subscription plans range from $25 per month for building applications to $250 for strategy and research capabilities, and up to $350 for the full platform, including competitive intelligence.

Techcrunch event

San Francisco, CA
|
October 13-15, 2026

The $250 plan can generate two to three “McKinsey-grade” research reports alongside product builds, Virani told TechCrunch, positioning its higher-tier offerings as a lower-cost alternative to traditional consulting, which often costs thousands of dollars for similar strategy work.

Rocket raised a $15 million seed round in September from Accel, Salesforce Ventures, and Together Fund. Since then, the startup says it has grown from 400,000 to over 1.5 million users across 180 countries. It also reported an annualized average revenue per user in the ~$4,000 range, though it did not disclose detailed paying customer numbers. The startup said it operates at gross margins of over 50%, with 20–30% of its customers being small- and medium-sized businesses.

Rocket has a team of 57 employees and is headquartered in Surat, with operations in Palo Alto.

Source link
#startup #Rocket #offers #vibe #McKinseystyle #reports #fraction #cost #TechCrunch

Previous post

The Space Between: Vyshak Vijaykumar on a journey to find himself <div id="content-body-70829406" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Indian cricket fraternity has always had an indelible memory for its stars and almost none for its nearly-men. For every name that became folklore, there were dozens who hovered just beneath.</p><p>Vyshak Vijaykumar, as of writing, belongs to that uncomfortable space. But maybe not for long.</p><p>He has been resilient enough to survive the grind of domestic cricket. He has shown flashes of promise in the glamorous world of the Indian Premier League (IPL). And yet, somehow, he has always been one step away from that India cap.</p><p>The barrier almost gave way on October 25, 2024, as Vyshak, then part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) targeted fast-bowling pool, received a maiden Twenty20 International call-up for the fast-approaching South Africa series.</p><p>Almost as if fate wanted to underline the moment, on the very next day, he reached a personal landmark, picking his 100th First-Class wicket while playing for Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy outing against Bihar. It would seem the stars were finally aligning.</p><p>He eventually didn’t get a game in the Rainbow Nation, but the proverbial door was finally ajar. Or so Vyshak would have thought, before an all-too-familiar twist forced its way into the tale. An untimely quadriceps injury in the early months of 2025 dragged him back, halting his momentum just as it had begun to gather impetus.</p><p>“Emotionally, it is very important to not dwell on it. You’d be letting yourself down. Injuries are a part of cricket. Everybody gets injured. I have a great family. When I go back home, they are always supportive. They asked me not to worry. In this profession, you don’t get a lot of time off to spend with your family. So, I just interpreted it as a manner of God giving me things that I otherwise wouldn’t have got,” Vyshak, who then spent two months in rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, tells  <i>Sportstar.</i></p><p>In the meantime, Punjab Kings made a move right after Vyshak returned from South Africa, acquiring the pacer’s services for ₹1.80 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. When the season began, there was hardly anyone who predicted Vyshak to be a regular starter. However, as it turned out, he didn’t have to wait long for his moment in the sun.</p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/ribihx/article70832910.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/DSC_0761.JPG" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/ribihx/article70832910.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/DSC_0761.JPG" alt="Solid start: This season, Vyshak (second from left) has taken five wickets in his first two games for Punjab Kings, already one more than his total tally in each of the previous two editions. " title="Solid start: This season, Vyshak (second from left) has taken five wickets in his first two games for Punjab Kings, already one more than his total tally in each of the previous two editions. " class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Solid start: This season, Vyshak (second from left) has taken five wickets in his first two games for Punjab Kings, already one more than his total tally in each of the previous two editions.  | Photo Credit: R. Ragu </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Solid start: This season, Vyshak (second from left) has taken five wickets in his first two games for Punjab Kings, already one more than his total tally in each of the previous two editions.  | Photo Credit: R. Ragu </p></div><p>Interestingly, Vyshak himself was unaware that he would be summoned during PBKS’ opening game as an Impact Player until 13 overs into the Gujarat Titans’ chase.</p><p>With Sherfane Rutherford and Jos Buttler wreaking havoc in the middle, coach Ricky Ponting sent a worried message out to captain Shreyas Iyer on the field. The PBKS skipper replied almost instinctively: “Just get Vyshak out here. He will nail a couple of overs of yorkers, and we will close the game.”</p><p>Marcus Stoinis had just conceded 17 runs in the 14th over when Vyshak was handed the ball. GT needed 75 from 36. “We just thought we would try a few wide yorkers. I ended up bowling a couple of wides as well. But Shreyas came and said that no matter what, I had to keep sticking to the same thing. As a bowler, if somebody gives you that much confidence, you don’t require much when you are playing at the highest level, right?”</p><p>Vyshak ended up conceding only five runs in each of his first two overs. Shreyas’ call held up, the damage was done, and PBKS went on to win by 11 runs. “As a fast bowler, if you’re playing at the highest level, you’ve got to be ready for all challenges. So, we make sure we are prepared. Say there’s a lot of dew in Ahmedabad and then you get a wet ball; you can’t complain, right? (For such situations) we make sure we practise enough to bowl those yorkers — doesn’t matter if it is wet or not. When the captain comes and gives you the ball, you can’t be saying, ‘S**t, I’ve not practised bowling wide yorkers!’ You always keep yourself up to the challenge.”</p><div class="inline_embed article-block-item"><p>[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqgzI5PirwQ[/embed]</p></div><p>Into his second year with the Kings, it’s almost like Vyshak never left home in the first place. He appears more assured, aware that this phase is about refinement. “The first stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2023-2024) helped me grow as a cricketer. I am where I am because of that, so I am very grateful. In the IPL, you represent a certain franchise, and that is where you give your heart and soul. (At PBKS), nothing much has changed. It’s just that I have grown in confidence as a fast bowler. I would say I’m a better and more confident bowler than how I was in the first year… I want to play and win all the games, but the IPL is such a format that you never know what is going to happen.”</p><p>These weren’t mere rehearsed lines. Vyshak’s words could be substantiated with numbers. Although he made an immediate impact at RCB, registering career-best figures of 3/20 on his tournament debut against Delhi Capitals, he could only take 10 more wickets in as many games during his two-year stint with the Red and Gold brigade. His economy rate was 10.25 across that span. </p><div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/v51764/article70832914.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Vyshak%204ccc.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/v51764/article70832914.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Vyshak%204ccc.jpg" alt="With modern T20 surfaces offering little assistance to bowlers, Vyshak has leaned into precision Instead of outfoxing batters with variety" title="With modern T20 surfaces offering little assistance to bowlers, Vyshak has leaned into precision Instead of outfoxing batters with variety" class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> With modern T20 surfaces offering little assistance to bowlers, Vyshak has leaned into precision Instead of outfoxing batters with variety | Photo Credit: Punjab Kings </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> With modern T20 surfaces offering little assistance to bowlers, Vyshak has leaned into precision Instead of outfoxing batters with variety | Photo Credit: Punjab Kings </p></div><p>Even last year, except for the game against GT, his returns at PBKS were largely tepid. But the franchise, having got a glimpse of what he was capable of in that first game, decided to retain him.</p><p>In 2026, Vyshak has repaid that faith as a vital component of the pace battery. In his first two games, he has taken five wickets — already one more than his total tally in each of the previous two editions.</p><p>“I have had the same approach this year. I want to make sure I put in some effort and contribute to the team’s victory. I think that is more important than just looking at the number of wickets. I don’t look at the numbers. Yes, wickets are coming, and that is good, and I’m very happy. I hope I can continue getting those wickets. But as long as we are doing the processes right, we will win games. I think that is more important, and that is what I am looking forward to,” Vyshak said after briefly holding the Purple Cap following the game against Chennai Super Kings.</p><p>Vyshak may not be a huge fan of number-crunching, but there is a clear trend that has emerged in how he has steadily reduced his reliance on variations. In 2023, 33.33 per cent of his deliveries were variations. The following year, that dropped to 29.89, and last year, it came down further to 20.59 per cent. It’s still early days in the ongoing edition, but the number seems to have nosedived to 10.41.</p><p>The change reflects both personal evolution and the demands of modern T20 surfaces, which offer little assistance to bowlers. Instead of outfoxing batters with variety, Vyshak has leaned into precision.</p><p>“The video analyst plays one of the biggest roles in the team by telling you what lines and lengths to bowl. It also depends on the wickets. If you’re confident in doing what you’re supposed to do at the end of the day and if you’re hitting the right lengths, it doesn’t matter which batter you are bowling to. If you bowl the right lengths, you are a good bowler, and nobody is going to hit you. ‘More practice, the better’ has been my mantra. The more I do in the nets, the more I think about the game, the more I visualise it, the better it works.”</p><p>In an IPL ecosystem increasingly defined by excess — more runs, extra risk, and ever-flowing boundaries — Vyshak has managed to market his wares through restraint. For someone long caught between promise and arrival, this might finally be the year the gap begins to close.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 07, 2026</p></div> #Space #BetweenVyshak #Vijaykumaron #journey #find

Next post

In the end, Michigan basketball was too big to fail <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">On a night where they shot a season-worst 2-of-15 from three, where their injured star looked like a shell of himself, where they lost the rebounding battle and played a style and pace for more conducive to their opponent’s strengths, on a night where seemingly everything that needed to happen in order for Michigan to be once again deprived of its long-awaited second national championship … none of it mattered.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">To quote Ellis Pine, “you can’t stop what’s coming,” and Dusty May’s Wolverines have seemed like they’ve been coming for the top of the college basketball mountain since November.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">That statement is a far cry from the days of the not-so-distant past when no level of success felt like a certainty for the maize and blue.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A little over 24 months ago, Michigan was at a crossroads. “Breaking point” might be a more accurate descriptor.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Wolverines had just gone 8-24 overall and 3-17 in the Big Ten, good for the worst season in the modern history of the program. Ann Arbor legend Juwan Howard was shown the door after five up-and-down seasons, and weeks later, Michigan beat out the likes of Louisville and Vanderbilt to hire May away from Florida Atlantic.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Three Michigan players — Nimari Burnett, Will Tschetter and walk-on Harrison Hochberg — experienced every moment of the 8-win season and still chose to stick with the program through the transition. On Monday night, 741 days after May was hired, all three climbed the ladder inside Lucas Oil Stadium to cut down a piece of the national championship net.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Of course loyalty, while an attractive subplot and an easy storyline to latch onto, might not be the central theme of the 2025-26 Michigan Wolverines. Not the team that just became the first in the history of college basketball to win a national championship with five starters who all transferred into the program.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">So what <em>is</em> the central theme?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">May’s potential to be one of the primary faces of the next wave of great college basketball coaches wasn’t exactly a secret in 2024. A year earlier he had taken Florida Atlantic all the way to the Final Four, and then proved it wasn’t a fluke by winning 25 games and earning an 8-seed in the NCAA Tournament a year later.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In just six seasons as a Division-I head coach, May had already earned the reputation for pairing a remarkable basketball mind with an incredible knack for identifying talent. That combination made him the perfect hire for a power conference program looking for a quick turnaround after falling on hard times.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Two such programs — Michigan and Louisville, both coming off of 8-24 seasons — came calling. Ultimately, UM athletic director Warde Manuel won the battle by selling May on the notion that we have more resources, more institutional support, and a better overall living arrangement for his family in Ann Arbor than anywhere else that might come calling.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“Louisville is an unbelievable basketball school. But this was the right fit for me, my family, and it just felt right,” May said at the time.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">An agreement was made, and both sides got to work.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">NIL and the transfer portal have both opened the door for instant turnarounds to be more of a thing in college basketball than ever before.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A decade ago, a coach brought in to take command of a Big Ten program that had just gone 3-17 in league play would have merely been expected to show an aptitude for the job and some tangible signs of progress in year one. Now, if you’ve got the bankroll, anything is possible, and it’s possible right away.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">May convinced Burnett and Tschetter to stick around, he brought big man Vlad Goldin with him from FAU, and he signed Tre Donaldson (Auburn), Danny Wolf (Yale), Roddy Gayle (Ohio State) and Sam Walters (Alabama) from the transfer portal to form the nucleus of a team that seemed on paper like they should have been able to compete right out of the gate. They did. Michigan won 27 games, captured the Big Ten Tournament title, and advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to eventual semifinalist Auburn.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">With the bar raised, May used Michigan’s deep pockets to go to work again. While Gayle, Tschetter and Burnett all returned, each of UM’s five leading scorers in 2025-26 was a newcomer.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg was the highest-ranked transfer in the country according to most who rank that sort of thing. When Donaldson bolted for Miami, May simply replaced him with North Carolina floor general Elliot Cadeau. Everyone knew Morez Johnson was destined for a breakout sophomore season, and May made sure it happened at Michigan and not conference rival Illinois. And then there was Aday Mara, a 7-foot-2 center who had played sparingly over two seasons at UCLA before emerging as a star for the Wolverines this season.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Identifying talent is still a skill that can pay off big in this brave, new world.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A healthy chunk of May’s imports have fit a similar description: Big, long, athletic, versatile and active. He seeks out monsters who can control the paint on both ends of the court, and is especially fond of players who can effectively guard multiple positions.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The results speak pretty loudly.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Michigan will end this season ranked No. 1 in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. They rank first in the country in effective field foal percentage defense, second in the country in two-point percentage defense, and third in the country in block percentage. Offensively, they were fourth in the country in overall efficiency and fifth in the country in two-percentage.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In each of Michigan’s last four games of the NCAA Tournament, the Wolverines held their opponents — Alabama, Tennessee, Arizona and UConn — to their worst field goal shooting performance of the season.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Michigan’s 2025-26 squad won’t just be remembered for its gaudy 37-3 final record, it’ll be remembered for the way in which it won a hefty chunk of those 37 games.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In simpler terms, it’ll be remembered for just how severely it kicked the shit out of teams all season long.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In its capturing of the Players Era Festival championship during Thanksgiving week, the Wolverines became the first team in the history of the AP poll to beat three straight ranked opponents all by 30 points or more. The last of those was a 101-61 championship game slaughtering of a Gonzaga team that, up until that point, had looked every bit as dominant as May’s team had.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When the dust finally cleared on Monday night, Michigan had won 29 of its 37 games by double figures. It won an astounding 11 games by 30 points or more, and its seven wins by 40 points or more are the most by any team in the history of the Big Ten.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">From the jump, confidence was never lacking with this group. Nor should it have been.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Lendeborg, the eventual First Team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year, was the first to raise eyebrows with a public declaration.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“I feel like we’re the best team in college basketball,” Lendeborg said after the Players Era Festival triumph in November. “We might be the best Michigan team ever. We’re going to try to go for that.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Instead of shying away from their star’s bravado, the rest of the Wolverines leaned into it.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“We say it before every game when we step onto the court,” Morez Johnson said in February of Lendeborg’s initial proclamation. “Everybody truly believes that.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Yaxel laughed last on Monday night, telling a national TV audience:</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“We’re the best team in college basketball, and we want to go down as one of the greatest ever.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Despite the Big Ten’s perennial status as one of the two or three best conferences in college basketball, the league has been burdened for the past two and-a-half-decades with the stigma of having won zero national championships since Michigan State cut down the nets in 2000.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">From 2001-2025, Big Ten teams played in eight national championships and astoundingly lost them all. Michigan accounted for 25 percent of that total, falling to Louisville for the title in 2013 and getting blown out by Villanova on the first Monday in April five years later.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">No trend was too tall for this team. Neither was any opponent.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In the end, Michigan was simply too big to fail.</p></div></div> #Michigan #basketball #big #fail


Star Wars games love giving us the ultimate power fantasies of the galaxy far, far away: wielding lightsabers and the Force as Jedi, being ace pilots or wry smugglers, and stepping into the combat boots of front-line soldiers in galactic conflict. Its latest collaboration instead asks you to consider another, persistent element of the galaxy ticking away far, far beneath that: the life of a subservient droid.

This morning FuturLab announced a surprise new collaboration DLC for its beloved Powerwash Simulator sequel, letting you step into the galaxy far, far away to… well, powerwash things. The DLC casts you as a P0-W2 labor droid, tasked with cleaning up across the galaxy, from the Lars Homestead on Tatooine to Echo Base on Hoth and even inside the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. You’ll be able to team up with friends, as with other Powerwash Simulator DLCs, because no droid should have to clean all the carbon scoring in the galaxy off of ships and surfaces alone.

FuturLab describes the Star Wars pack as seeing your poor droid taking menial assignments until that “quickly spirals into being commandeered to carry out the Empire’s dirty work, before clearing the way for the Rebel Alliance,” although it remains to be seen if there’ll actually be a narrative arc across its cleaning scenarios or if that’s just some flavorful setup.

But still, there is some potential for intriguing Star Wars commentary here, in that FuturLab makes your perspective that of a droid instead of just some lowly human on the bottom rung of these different factions’ pecking orders. Star Wars has always had an up and down history with how it treats droids as an underserved group. Droids’ quest for personhood and rights is regularly framed through the idea of what kind of labor is considered base enough to be below organic beings and instead consigned to an indentured droid class, who often almost solely exist, in some regards, to do this kind of work, rather than being allowed to exist as sentient beings in their own rights.

Even putting aside that this is perhaps the kind of video game fantasy we’ve never really seen play out in Star Wars before, perhaps it simply being a fantasy that we assign to a droid is commentary enough. You’ll be able to think about the plight of droid rights and also clean gunk off of an X-Wing when the Star Wars pack for Powerwash Simulator 2 launches this summer for $10.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Star #Wars #Game #Crossover #Fantasy #Menial #LaborDroids,Powerwash Simulator 2,Star Wars">The Next ‘Star Wars’ Game Crossover Gives You the Fantasy of Menial Labor
                Star Wars games love giving us the ultimate power fantasies of the galaxy far, far away: wielding lightsabers and the Force as Jedi, being ace pilots or wry smugglers, and stepping into the combat boots of front-line soldiers in galactic conflict. Its latest collaboration instead asks you to consider another, persistent element of the galaxy ticking away far, far beneath that: the life of a subservient droid. This morning FuturLab announced a surprise new collaboration DLC for its beloved Powerwash Simulator sequel, letting you step into the galaxy far, far away to… well, powerwash things. The DLC casts you as a P0-W2 labor droid, tasked with cleaning up across the galaxy, from the Lars Homestead on Tatooine to Echo Base on Hoth and even inside the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. You’ll be able to team up with friends, as with other Powerwash Simulator DLCs, because no droid should have to clean all the carbon scoring in the galaxy off of ships and surfaces alone.

  FuturLab describes the Star Wars pack as seeing your poor droid taking menial assignments until that “quickly spirals into being commandeered to carry out the Empire’s dirty work, before clearing the way for the Rebel Alliance,” although it remains to be seen if there’ll actually be a narrative arc across its cleaning scenarios or if that’s just some flavorful setup. But still, there is some potential for intriguing Star Wars commentary here, in that FuturLab makes your perspective that of a droid instead of just some lowly human on the bottom rung of these different factions’ pecking orders. Star Wars has always had an up and down history with how it treats droids as an underserved group. Droids’ quest for personhood and rights is regularly framed through the idea of what kind of labor is considered base enough to be below organic beings and instead consigned to an indentured droid class, who often almost solely exist, in some regards, to do this kind of work, rather than being allowed to exist as sentient beings in their own rights.

 Even putting aside that this is perhaps the kind of video game fantasy we’ve never really seen play out in Star Wars before, perhaps it simply being a fantasy that we assign to a droid is commentary enough. You’ll be able to think about the plight of droid rights and also clean gunk off of an X-Wing when the Star Wars pack for Powerwash Simulator 2 launches this summer for .  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Star #Wars #Game #Crossover #Fantasy #Menial #LaborDroids,Powerwash Simulator 2,Star Wars

lightsabers and the Force as Jedi, being ace pilots or wry smugglers, and stepping into the combat boots of front-line soldiers in galactic conflict. Its latest collaboration instead asks you to consider another, persistent element of the galaxy ticking away far, far beneath that: the life of a subservient droid.

This morning FuturLab announced a surprise new collaboration DLC for its beloved Powerwash Simulator sequel, letting you step into the galaxy far, far away to… well, powerwash things. The DLC casts you as a P0-W2 labor droid, tasked with cleaning up across the galaxy, from the Lars Homestead on Tatooine to Echo Base on Hoth and even inside the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. You’ll be able to team up with friends, as with other Powerwash Simulator DLCs, because no droid should have to clean all the carbon scoring in the galaxy off of ships and surfaces alone.

FuturLab describes the Star Wars pack as seeing your poor droid taking menial assignments until that “quickly spirals into being commandeered to carry out the Empire’s dirty work, before clearing the way for the Rebel Alliance,” although it remains to be seen if there’ll actually be a narrative arc across its cleaning scenarios or if that’s just some flavorful setup.

But still, there is some potential for intriguing Star Wars commentary here, in that FuturLab makes your perspective that of a droid instead of just some lowly human on the bottom rung of these different factions’ pecking orders. Star Wars has always had an up and down history with how it treats droids as an underserved group. Droids’ quest for personhood and rights is regularly framed through the idea of what kind of labor is considered base enough to be below organic beings and instead consigned to an indentured droid class, who often almost solely exist, in some regards, to do this kind of work, rather than being allowed to exist as sentient beings in their own rights.

Even putting aside that this is perhaps the kind of video game fantasy we’ve never really seen play out in Star Wars before, perhaps it simply being a fantasy that we assign to a droid is commentary enough. You’ll be able to think about the plight of droid rights and also clean gunk off of an X-Wing when the Star Wars pack for Powerwash Simulator 2 launches this summer for $10.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Star #Wars #Game #Crossover #Fantasy #Menial #LaborDroids,Powerwash Simulator 2,Star Wars">The Next ‘Star Wars’ Game Crossover Gives You the Fantasy of Menial LaborThe Next ‘Star Wars’ Game Crossover Gives You the Fantasy of Menial Labor
                Star Wars games love giving us the ultimate power fantasies of the galaxy far, far away: wielding lightsabers and the Force as Jedi, being ace pilots or wry smugglers, and stepping into the combat boots of front-line soldiers in galactic conflict. Its latest collaboration instead asks you to consider another, persistent element of the galaxy ticking away far, far beneath that: the life of a subservient droid. This morning FuturLab announced a surprise new collaboration DLC for its beloved Powerwash Simulator sequel, letting you step into the galaxy far, far away to… well, powerwash things. The DLC casts you as a P0-W2 labor droid, tasked with cleaning up across the galaxy, from the Lars Homestead on Tatooine to Echo Base on Hoth and even inside the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. You’ll be able to team up with friends, as with other Powerwash Simulator DLCs, because no droid should have to clean all the carbon scoring in the galaxy off of ships and surfaces alone.

  FuturLab describes the Star Wars pack as seeing your poor droid taking menial assignments until that “quickly spirals into being commandeered to carry out the Empire’s dirty work, before clearing the way for the Rebel Alliance,” although it remains to be seen if there’ll actually be a narrative arc across its cleaning scenarios or if that’s just some flavorful setup. But still, there is some potential for intriguing Star Wars commentary here, in that FuturLab makes your perspective that of a droid instead of just some lowly human on the bottom rung of these different factions’ pecking orders. Star Wars has always had an up and down history with how it treats droids as an underserved group. Droids’ quest for personhood and rights is regularly framed through the idea of what kind of labor is considered base enough to be below organic beings and instead consigned to an indentured droid class, who often almost solely exist, in some regards, to do this kind of work, rather than being allowed to exist as sentient beings in their own rights.

 Even putting aside that this is perhaps the kind of video game fantasy we’ve never really seen play out in Star Wars before, perhaps it simply being a fantasy that we assign to a droid is commentary enough. You’ll be able to think about the plight of droid rights and also clean gunk off of an X-Wing when the Star Wars pack for Powerwash Simulator 2 launches this summer for $10.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Star #Wars #Game #Crossover #Fantasy #Menial #LaborDroids,Powerwash Simulator 2,Star Wars

Star Wars games love giving us the ultimate power fantasies of the galaxy far, far away: wielding lightsabers and the Force as Jedi, being ace pilots or wry smugglers, and stepping into the combat boots of front-line soldiers in galactic conflict. Its latest collaboration instead asks you to consider another, persistent element of the galaxy ticking away far, far beneath that: the life of a subservient droid.

This morning FuturLab announced a surprise new collaboration DLC for its beloved Powerwash Simulator sequel, letting you step into the galaxy far, far away to… well, powerwash things. The DLC casts you as a P0-W2 labor droid, tasked with cleaning up across the galaxy, from the Lars Homestead on Tatooine to Echo Base on Hoth and even inside the hangar bay of a Star Destroyer. You’ll be able to team up with friends, as with other Powerwash Simulator DLCs, because no droid should have to clean all the carbon scoring in the galaxy off of ships and surfaces alone.

FuturLab describes the Star Wars pack as seeing your poor droid taking menial assignments until that “quickly spirals into being commandeered to carry out the Empire’s dirty work, before clearing the way for the Rebel Alliance,” although it remains to be seen if there’ll actually be a narrative arc across its cleaning scenarios or if that’s just some flavorful setup.

But still, there is some potential for intriguing Star Wars commentary here, in that FuturLab makes your perspective that of a droid instead of just some lowly human on the bottom rung of these different factions’ pecking orders. Star Wars has always had an up and down history with how it treats droids as an underserved group. Droids’ quest for personhood and rights is regularly framed through the idea of what kind of labor is considered base enough to be below organic beings and instead consigned to an indentured droid class, who often almost solely exist, in some regards, to do this kind of work, rather than being allowed to exist as sentient beings in their own rights.

Even putting aside that this is perhaps the kind of video game fantasy we’ve never really seen play out in Star Wars before, perhaps it simply being a fantasy that we assign to a droid is commentary enough. You’ll be able to think about the plight of droid rights and also clean gunk off of an X-Wing when the Star Wars pack for Powerwash Simulator 2 launches this summer for $10.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Star #Wars #Game #Crossover #Fantasy #Menial #LaborDroids,Powerwash Simulator 2,Star Wars

The best iPhone charger depends on several factors. Are you topping off your battery on the go? Do you want to charge your iPhone as quickly as possible? Are you charging it overnight on your nightstand? The best gear recommendation is going to change with the situation. Luckily, the WIRED Reviews team tests iPhone chargers in the field all year long. There’s not a day that goes by that at least one of us is not assessing at least one iPhone charger. I’ve gathered up our favorite picks for every scenario.

Be sure to check out our related buying guides, like the Best Power Banks, the Best 3-in-1 Chargers, and the Best Wireless Chargers.

Table of Contents

The Best iPhone Chargers

Best Wall Charger for iPhone

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Anker

Nano 45W With USB-C Cable

This Anker charger is slick and has folding prongs so it’s easy to travel with, but the best part is that it can charge your phone at 40 watts (average is 20 to 27 watts). That means you can get up to 50 percent battery life in only 20 minutes. Not all iPhone models support charging this fast—it’s limited to iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—but you may as well future-proof your gear if you’re shopping for a wall charger, even if your phone can’t take full advantage of those speeds yet.

Best Power Bank for iPhone

Small rounded rectangular bright blue device beside a black rectangular device, both with strap handles.

We do recommend the Anker Laptop Power Bank as our top-pick power bank, but if you’re only trying to top off your iPhone, this is a very reliable and neat-looking power bank. It’s svelte, smaller than a deck of cards, and can deliver 20 watts to two devices at once. Nimble also makes a slightly larger version, which has a larger capacity and can charge at up to 65 watts. Aside from the cool design featuring speckled colors and a lanyard loop, Nimble also uses bioplastics, recycled materials, and minimal packaging. A USB-C charger is included in the box.

Best MagSafe Portable Charger for iPhone

Gear-Anker_MagGo_Qi2-SOURCE-Simon-Hill

Anker

MagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)

This 10,000-mAh power bank can charge your device at up to 15 watts, but it’ll also charge older devices at a slower rate. It has a built-in kickstand and an LED display that lets you know how much power is left at a glance. It works in portrait or landscape modes. Be aware that it won’t be able to charge most phones fully more than once, but it’s hard to beat if you’re seeking wireless charging on the go. If you want a bigger capacity or faster charging, you don’t want MagSafe.

Best 3-in-1 Charger for iPhone

Image may contain: Wood, Plywood, Electrical Device, Microphone, Furniture, Table, Hardwood, Tabletop, Person, and Desk

Belkin

3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand

The Belkin 3-in-1 can charge your compatible iPhone at 15 watts, plus your AirPods and your Apple Watch at the same time. The charging pad can be tilted to your preferred angle, including in landscape orientation if you want to watch a video or put your phone in StandBy mode. The USB-C cable is permanently attached, which you may or may not like. Check our best 3-in-1 chargers buying guide for additional picks.

Best 2-in-1 Charger for iPhone

Image may contain: Electronics, and Speaker

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Mophie

2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

I love a 3-in-1 charger as much as the next tech nerd, but sometimes they’re overkill. My Apple Watch battery usually lasts all day long, but I can chew through my older AirPods battery before my lunch break hits, and my iPhone battery might be depleted too, depending on whether or not I’m streaming Max Velocity off to the side. This 2-in-1 charger has been my steadfast desktop companion. Mophie makes another version that tops off your Apple Watch and iPhone instead of your headphones, which might be what you want if you’re rocking wired headphones or you’re making intense use of a walking pad throughout the day. There’s a 40-watt wall charger in the box—a rarity these days!—plus a USB-C cable that winds neatly into the base. It’s easy to adjust the angle of your iPhone as well, and I’ve found the base very sturdy. If you want to charge, but not necessarily all of the possible devices simultaneously, these might be what you seek.

Anker

Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable

This braided nylon USB-C cable has a durable exterior made from recycled plastic. The cable is rugged, with Anker promising that it can operate in temperatures ranging from negative 40 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s got a built-in cable management loop. It’s more than enough cable for your iPhone. Read our guide to the Best USB-C Cables for more picks.

Ugreen

USB-C to Lightning Cable

If your iPhone is still rocking the Lightning cable, this is gonna be way better than whatever shoddy cable Apple sent you. It’s durable and is Made for iPhone-certified, so you won’t have any problems getting it to work. It comes in 3-, 6-, or 10-foot lengths with a two-year warranty. Best of all, the exterior casing will stay intact, unlike what you’d probably get with Apple’s cables.

#iPhone #Charger #LateNight #Doomscrollingshopping,iphone,apple,accessories and peripherals,phones,smartphones">The Best iPhone Charger for Late-Night DoomscrollingThe best iPhone charger depends on several factors. Are you topping off your battery on the go? Do you want to charge your iPhone as quickly as possible? Are you charging it overnight on your nightstand? The best gear recommendation is going to change with the situation. Luckily, the WIRED Reviews team tests iPhone chargers in the field all year long. There’s not a day that goes by that at least one of us is not assessing at least one iPhone charger. I’ve gathered up our favorite picks for every scenario.Be sure to check out our related buying guides, like the Best Power Banks, the Best 3-in-1 Chargers, and the Best Wireless Chargers.Table of ContentsAccordionItemContainerButtonThe Best iPhone ChargersBest Wall Charger for iPhonePhotograph: Julian ChokkattuAnkerNano 45W With USB-C CableThis Anker charger is slick and has folding prongs so it’s easy to travel with, but the best part is that it can charge your phone at 40 watts (average is 20 to 27 watts). That means you can get up to 50 percent battery life in only 20 minutes. Not all iPhone models support charging this fast—it’s limited to iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—but you may as well future-proof your gear if you’re shopping for a wall charger, even if your phone can’t take full advantage of those speeds yet.Best Power Bank for iPhoneWe do recommend the Anker Laptop Power Bank as our top-pick power bank, but if you’re only trying to top off your iPhone, this is a very reliable and neat-looking power bank. It’s svelte, smaller than a deck of cards, and can deliver 20 watts to two devices at once. Nimble also makes a slightly larger version, which has a larger capacity and can charge at up to 65 watts. Aside from the cool design featuring speckled colors and a lanyard loop, Nimble also uses bioplastics, recycled materials, and minimal packaging. A USB-C charger is included in the box.Best MagSafe Portable Charger for iPhoneAnkerMagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)This 10,000-mAh power bank can charge your device at up to 15 watts, but it’ll also charge older devices at a slower rate. It has a built-in kickstand and an LED display that lets you know how much power is left at a glance. It works in portrait or landscape modes. Be aware that it won’t be able to charge most phones fully more than once, but it’s hard to beat if you’re seeking wireless charging on the go. If you want a bigger capacity or faster charging, you don’t want MagSafe.Best 3-in-1 Charger for iPhoneBelkin3-in-1 Qi2 Charging StandThe Belkin 3-in-1 can charge your compatible iPhone at 15 watts, plus your AirPods and your Apple Watch at the same time. The charging pad can be tilted to your preferred angle, including in landscape orientation if you want to watch a video or put your phone in StandBy mode. The USB-C cable is permanently attached, which you may or may not like. Check our best 3-in-1 chargers buying guide for additional picks.Best 2-in-1 Charger for iPhonePhotograph: Louryn StrampeMophie2-in-1 Wireless Charging StandI love a 3-in-1 charger as much as the next tech nerd, but sometimes they’re overkill. My Apple Watch battery usually lasts all day long, but I can chew through my older AirPods battery before my lunch break hits, and my iPhone battery might be depleted too, depending on whether or not I’m streaming Max Velocity off to the side. This 2-in-1 charger has been my steadfast desktop companion. Mophie makes another version that tops off your Apple Watch and iPhone instead of your headphones, which might be what you want if you’re rocking wired headphones or you’re making intense use of a walking pad throughout the day. There’s a 40-watt wall charger in the box—a rarity these days!—plus a USB-C cable that winds neatly into the base. It’s easy to adjust the angle of your iPhone as well, and I’ve found the base very sturdy. If you want to charge, but not necessarily all of the possible devices simultaneously, these might be what you seek.AnkerPrime USB-C to USB-C CableThis braided nylon USB-C cable has a durable exterior made from recycled plastic. The cable is rugged, with Anker promising that it can operate in temperatures ranging from negative 40 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s got a built-in cable management loop. It’s more than enough cable for your iPhone. Read our guide to the Best USB-C Cables for more picks.UgreenUSB-C to Lightning CableIf your iPhone is still rocking the Lightning cable, this is gonna be way better than whatever shoddy cable Apple sent you. It’s durable and is Made for iPhone-certified, so you won’t have any problems getting it to work. It comes in 3-, 6-, or 10-foot lengths with a two-year warranty. Best of all, the exterior casing will stay intact, unlike what you’d probably get with Apple’s cables.#iPhone #Charger #LateNight #Doomscrollingshopping,iphone,apple,accessories and peripherals,phones,smartphones

your iPhone as quickly as possible? Are you charging it overnight on your nightstand? The best gear recommendation is going to change with the situation. Luckily, the WIRED Reviews team tests iPhone chargers in the field all year long. There’s not a day that goes by that at least one of us is not assessing at least one iPhone charger. I’ve gathered up our favorite picks for every scenario.

Be sure to check out our related buying guides, like the Best Power Banks, the Best 3-in-1 Chargers, and the Best Wireless Chargers.

Table of Contents

The Best iPhone Chargers

Best Wall Charger for iPhone

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Anker

Nano 45W With USB-C Cable

This Anker charger is slick and has folding prongs so it’s easy to travel with, but the best part is that it can charge your phone at 40 watts (average is 20 to 27 watts). That means you can get up to 50 percent battery life in only 20 minutes. Not all iPhone models support charging this fast—it’s limited to iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—but you may as well future-proof your gear if you’re shopping for a wall charger, even if your phone can’t take full advantage of those speeds yet.

Best Power Bank for iPhone

Small rounded rectangular bright blue device beside a black rectangular device, both with strap handles.

We do recommend the Anker Laptop Power Bank as our top-pick power bank, but if you’re only trying to top off your iPhone, this is a very reliable and neat-looking power bank. It’s svelte, smaller than a deck of cards, and can deliver 20 watts to two devices at once. Nimble also makes a slightly larger version, which has a larger capacity and can charge at up to 65 watts. Aside from the cool design featuring speckled colors and a lanyard loop, Nimble also uses bioplastics, recycled materials, and minimal packaging. A USB-C charger is included in the box.

Best MagSafe Portable Charger for iPhone

Gear-Anker_MagGo_Qi2-SOURCE-Simon-Hill

Anker

MagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)

This 10,000-mAh power bank can charge your device at up to 15 watts, but it’ll also charge older devices at a slower rate. It has a built-in kickstand and an LED display that lets you know how much power is left at a glance. It works in portrait or landscape modes. Be aware that it won’t be able to charge most phones fully more than once, but it’s hard to beat if you’re seeking wireless charging on the go. If you want a bigger capacity or faster charging, you don’t want MagSafe.

Best 3-in-1 Charger for iPhone

Image may contain: Wood, Plywood, Electrical Device, Microphone, Furniture, Table, Hardwood, Tabletop, Person, and Desk

Belkin

3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand

The Belkin 3-in-1 can charge your compatible iPhone at 15 watts, plus your AirPods and your Apple Watch at the same time. The charging pad can be tilted to your preferred angle, including in landscape orientation if you want to watch a video or put your phone in StandBy mode. The USB-C cable is permanently attached, which you may or may not like. Check our best 3-in-1 chargers buying guide for additional picks.

Best 2-in-1 Charger for iPhone

Image may contain: Electronics, and Speaker

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Mophie

2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

I love a 3-in-1 charger as much as the next tech nerd, but sometimes they’re overkill. My Apple Watch battery usually lasts all day long, but I can chew through my older AirPods battery before my lunch break hits, and my iPhone battery might be depleted too, depending on whether or not I’m streaming Max Velocity off to the side. This 2-in-1 charger has been my steadfast desktop companion. Mophie makes another version that tops off your Apple Watch and iPhone instead of your headphones, which might be what you want if you’re rocking wired headphones or you’re making intense use of a walking pad throughout the day. There’s a 40-watt wall charger in the box—a rarity these days!—plus a USB-C cable that winds neatly into the base. It’s easy to adjust the angle of your iPhone as well, and I’ve found the base very sturdy. If you want to charge, but not necessarily all of the possible devices simultaneously, these might be what you seek.

Anker

Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable

This braided nylon USB-C cable has a durable exterior made from recycled plastic. The cable is rugged, with Anker promising that it can operate in temperatures ranging from negative 40 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s got a built-in cable management loop. It’s more than enough cable for your iPhone. Read our guide to the Best USB-C Cables for more picks.

Ugreen

USB-C to Lightning Cable

If your iPhone is still rocking the Lightning cable, this is gonna be way better than whatever shoddy cable Apple sent you. It’s durable and is Made for iPhone-certified, so you won’t have any problems getting it to work. It comes in 3-, 6-, or 10-foot lengths with a two-year warranty. Best of all, the exterior casing will stay intact, unlike what you’d probably get with Apple’s cables.

#iPhone #Charger #LateNight #Doomscrollingshopping,iphone,apple,accessories and peripherals,phones,smartphones">The Best iPhone Charger for Late-Night Doomscrolling

The best iPhone charger depends on several factors. Are you topping off your battery on the go? Do you want to charge your iPhone as quickly as possible? Are you charging it overnight on your nightstand? The best gear recommendation is going to change with the situation. Luckily, the WIRED Reviews team tests iPhone chargers in the field all year long. There’s not a day that goes by that at least one of us is not assessing at least one iPhone charger. I’ve gathered up our favorite picks for every scenario.

Be sure to check out our related buying guides, like the Best Power Banks, the Best 3-in-1 Chargers, and the Best Wireless Chargers.

Table of Contents

The Best iPhone Chargers

Best Wall Charger for iPhone

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Anker

Nano 45W With USB-C Cable

This Anker charger is slick and has folding prongs so it’s easy to travel with, but the best part is that it can charge your phone at 40 watts (average is 20 to 27 watts). That means you can get up to 50 percent battery life in only 20 minutes. Not all iPhone models support charging this fast—it’s limited to iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—but you may as well future-proof your gear if you’re shopping for a wall charger, even if your phone can’t take full advantage of those speeds yet.

Best Power Bank for iPhone

Small rounded rectangular bright blue device beside a black rectangular device, both with strap handles.

We do recommend the Anker Laptop Power Bank as our top-pick power bank, but if you’re only trying to top off your iPhone, this is a very reliable and neat-looking power bank. It’s svelte, smaller than a deck of cards, and can deliver 20 watts to two devices at once. Nimble also makes a slightly larger version, which has a larger capacity and can charge at up to 65 watts. Aside from the cool design featuring speckled colors and a lanyard loop, Nimble also uses bioplastics, recycled materials, and minimal packaging. A USB-C charger is included in the box.

Best MagSafe Portable Charger for iPhone

Gear-Anker_MagGo_Qi2-SOURCE-Simon-Hill

Anker

MagGo Power Bank (10K) (Qi2)

This 10,000-mAh power bank can charge your device at up to 15 watts, but it’ll also charge older devices at a slower rate. It has a built-in kickstand and an LED display that lets you know how much power is left at a glance. It works in portrait or landscape modes. Be aware that it won’t be able to charge most phones fully more than once, but it’s hard to beat if you’re seeking wireless charging on the go. If you want a bigger capacity or faster charging, you don’t want MagSafe.

Best 3-in-1 Charger for iPhone

Image may contain: Wood, Plywood, Electrical Device, Microphone, Furniture, Table, Hardwood, Tabletop, Person, and Desk

Belkin

3-in-1 Qi2 Charging Stand

The Belkin 3-in-1 can charge your compatible iPhone at 15 watts, plus your AirPods and your Apple Watch at the same time. The charging pad can be tilted to your preferred angle, including in landscape orientation if you want to watch a video or put your phone in StandBy mode. The USB-C cable is permanently attached, which you may or may not like. Check our best 3-in-1 chargers buying guide for additional picks.

Best 2-in-1 Charger for iPhone

Image may contain: Electronics, and Speaker

Photograph: Louryn Strampe

Mophie

2-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

I love a 3-in-1 charger as much as the next tech nerd, but sometimes they’re overkill. My Apple Watch battery usually lasts all day long, but I can chew through my older AirPods battery before my lunch break hits, and my iPhone battery might be depleted too, depending on whether or not I’m streaming Max Velocity off to the side. This 2-in-1 charger has been my steadfast desktop companion. Mophie makes another version that tops off your Apple Watch and iPhone instead of your headphones, which might be what you want if you’re rocking wired headphones or you’re making intense use of a walking pad throughout the day. There’s a 40-watt wall charger in the box—a rarity these days!—plus a USB-C cable that winds neatly into the base. It’s easy to adjust the angle of your iPhone as well, and I’ve found the base very sturdy. If you want to charge, but not necessarily all of the possible devices simultaneously, these might be what you seek.

Anker

Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable

This braided nylon USB-C cable has a durable exterior made from recycled plastic. The cable is rugged, with Anker promising that it can operate in temperatures ranging from negative 40 degrees to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s got a built-in cable management loop. It’s more than enough cable for your iPhone. Read our guide to the Best USB-C Cables for more picks.

Ugreen

USB-C to Lightning Cable

If your iPhone is still rocking the Lightning cable, this is gonna be way better than whatever shoddy cable Apple sent you. It’s durable and is Made for iPhone-certified, so you won’t have any problems getting it to work. It comes in 3-, 6-, or 10-foot lengths with a two-year warranty. Best of all, the exterior casing will stay intact, unlike what you’d probably get with Apple’s cables.

#iPhone #Charger #LateNight #Doomscrollingshopping,iphone,apple,accessories and peripherals,phones,smartphones

Post Comment