Tim Hardwick
As someone who regularly uses my M4 iPad Pro as an extended Mac display via Sidecar and frequently experiments with Apple’s Universal Control feature, finding the perfect iPad stand that will look good on my limited desk space has become something of a hobby for me. With that in mind, KUXIU’s Pro MAX line of magnetic charging stands promises to solve two persistent iPad stand issues that often arise: positioning and power.
I spent a few weeks testing out their X33 Pro MAX, X36 Pro MAX, and X44 Pro MAX models, as well as their optional magnetic protective case. The stands work with the current 11- and 13-inch iPad Pro models, as well as the latest iPad Air models from the 4th generation onwards – essentially any Smart Connector-enabled iPad released in 2018 or newer.
Design and Build
These CNC machined aluminum stands all have the same basic function: magnetic attachment with built-in charging via the iPad’s Smart Connector pins. Each model caters to different needs—the X33 offers a traditional desktop stand form factor, the X36 offers an adjustable bracket design, and the X44 adds a rotating base for maximum flexibility.
The build quality of the stands is impressive, especially on the X36 Pro MAX. Its hollow handles allow cables to be neatly routed from the back of the stand’s charging port to your desired connection point, whether that’s a Mac or a power outlet.
It should be noted that the joints on the X36 are noticeably stiff, especially when new. Yes, it provides stability, but significant adjustments require two hands, and you don’t want to keep your iPad secured while you reposition the handle—the joint’s jerky movement made me worry that the tablet might come loose.
Charging and Connecting
The stands deliver up to 18W of charging via the Smart Connector, leaving your iPad’s USB-C port free for other connections. You’ll see a Chinese keyboard prompt when you first connect your iPad — just dismiss it and you’ll never see it again. Charging starts automatically every time you connect your iPad.
One important thing I noticed: your power source must meet the minimum 18W requirement. Anything less resulted in inconsistent charging behavior when turning it on and off in my testing. For reliable operation, I recommend using your iPad’s original power adapter or an equivalent high-power USB-C charger.
Using the On-Screen Keyboard
These stands introduce an interesting quirk into the way iPadOS handles text input. Because they use the Smart Connector — the same connection that Apple’s Magic Keyboard uses — your iPad thinks there’s a physical keyboard connected to it when it’s docked.
This results in a few noticeable behaviors. First, you’ll get a one-time notification about Chinese keyboard input the first time you connect — just tap “Not Now” to dismiss it permanently. Second, iPadOS will hide the on-screen keyboard by default. You may also notice blue borders around interface elements — this is iPadOS’s Full Keyboard Access feature, which is automatically enabled. You can disable this feature in Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Keyboards if you find it annoying.
X33 Pro MAX: A Traditional Desk Stand
With a base that’s about 6 inches wide and a maximum height of 12 inches when fully extended, the X33 strikes an excellent balance between stability and desk space efficiency. Its magnetic panel rotates 360 degrees vertically for 90 degrees of horizontal adjustment, and the stand folds down to just 2 inches high when you need a more comfortable angle for taking notes or illustrating with the Apple Pencil. It’s also the most compact way to pack it for travel – although a carrying case would be nice at this price point.
The charging port is on a raised rectangular platform on the back of the panel, hiding the connection if not the cable and leaving your iPad’s USB-C port accessible. The aluminum construction feels premium, with precision-machined connections that move smoothly. During my use, the X33 excelled as a desk companion – it allowed me to type fairly aggressively on my iPad’s screen without wobbling, even when fully extended. Charging performance remains solid, and the compact design handles heat particularly well without thermal throttling during long sessions. However, the rear USB-C cable connection could be better integrated into the design for a cleaner desk aesthetic.
X36 Pro MAX: A Flexible Lever Solution
The X36 has seven adjustable joints, as well as horizontal and vertical adjusters, with each arm segment measuring approximately 8 inches for a total height of up to 24 inches. Its wide reach has made it my preferred choice for using Sidecar, as I can position the iPad at exactly the right height for the monitor in a multi-display setup. The desk clamp fits surfaces up to 1.97 inches thick, and the silicone pad protects your desk.
KUXIU’s attention to detail shows in the design. The clamping mechanism is very robust, and while each joint moves independently, it requires a fair amount of force to adjust – a worthwhile trade-off for stability, though as I mentioned above, be careful of the joints suddenly sagging when applying pressure. The hollow arm design is particularly useful for cable management; I was able to route both the power and USB-C data cables through it for a cleaner setup. Despite its more complex design, the X36 delivers solid charging performance, but in my experience it’s best to avoid extreme angles that could strain the USB-C connection.
X44 Pro MAX: Pivoting Stand
The X44 is similar to the X33, but uses a smooth-rotating ball joint that rotates the entire arm assembly 360 degrees. The hinge at the top allows for vertical and rotational adjustment, while the round base can be rotated to any position for easy screen viewing adjustments. The entire mechanism feels well designed, with no play or wobble even when fully extended.
Like the X33, it folds for portability, but adds the versatility of the X36’s articulation. The dual-hinge design makes switching between portrait and landscape orientations especially smooth, but it does have some stiff joint characteristics, though they’re not as stubborn as the X36’s. Charging performance maintains the same 18W delivery as its siblings, and the extra moving parts didn’t cause any connection issues in my testing.
Magnetic Protective Case
KUXIU also offers a magnetic protective case designed to work with these stands while maintaining compatibility with Apple’s Magic Keyboard. While the case does a good job of delivering power via the Smart Connector and includes precise cutouts for attaching the keyboard, its protective capabilities are limited. The thin plastic construction only covers about 90% of the iPad’s back surface and only two corners, providing basic scratch protection but little impact resistance.
The case also proved problematic with the Magic Keyboard – despite KUXIU’s claims, I found it difficult to properly close the keyboard with the case attached unless the iPad was on top and pressing down on the case’s mechanism. Additionally, the slippery texture and tight fit make the case difficult to remove once installed. While it’s nice to have a case option that works with charging stands, it’s expensive for what it is, and I’d recommend using your iPad naked with these stands instead.
Wrapping Up
Each KUXIU Pro MAX stand carves out a niche of its own, with thoughtful design and reliable charging performance across the line. The X33 shines as a compact desktop solution that’s ideal for those who value portability. Meanwhile, the X36’s long, articulated arm makes it a great option for multi-display setups and Sidecar users, though its tight articulations require some muscle. And the X44 splits the difference by adding a rotating base, which is especially valuable for collaborative work or those who value a wide range of lateral movement.
While all three models deliver on their charging promises, your choice will largely depend on the needs of your workspace. The traditional design of the X33 feels the most refined, the X36 offers unrivaled positioning flexibility, and the X44 strikes the best balance of features for most users.
Where to Buy
KUXIU is currently offering decent Black Friday discounts on its entire Pro MAX lineup, with the X33 Pro MAX priced at $85.49 (down from $109.99), the X36 Pro MAX priced at $104.48 (down from $139.99), and the X44 Pro MAX priced at $94.98 (down from $139.99). And if you’re interested in the protective case, it’s currently priced at $50.34 (down from $59.99). All of the stands are also available on the company’s Amazon store. Given the stands' feature set and build quality, the sale prices represent decent value, especially for the X36 with its long, adjustable handle and the X44 Pro MAX with its versatile rotating base. I'm just not a fan of the extra cases.
Note: KUXIU provided MacRumors with the iPad charging stands and case for this review. No other compensation was received.
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