Elevation Lab has introduced a new dock for iPhone and iPad devices. Called ElevationDock 4, the device looks nothing like the original model, which was launched years ago thanks to a very successful Kickstarter campaign, and its other predecessors. The new dock comes in a more sophisticated design that makes it capable of accommodating iPhones and iPads with or without protective cases.
This week, Elevation Lab finally introduced the newest iteration of its very successful iPhone dock series. The new model comes with an integrated Lightning plug and a braided cable, and it is designed to be quite stable for one-handed use. It’s also built to support all iPhones starting with the iPhone 5 and all iPads with Lightning ports save for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which strictly requires a NanoPad accessory just to adhere to a smooth surface.
Users don’t need to remove the protective case of their device when using the ElevationDock 4. The dock comes with thumb screws on the back that can be adjusted so as to change the angle and control the Lightning plug depth to better accommodate iPhones and iPads and their various cases. However, there’s a limit to the cases it can accommodate. The ElevationDock 4 cannot work with cases that are up to 3.2 millimeters or 0.125 inches thick on the bottom. For this reason, it cannot function with multi-layer cases from OtterBox Defender and LifeProof, as pointed out by Apple Insider.
ElevationDock 4 is built to be compact, so it won’t take up a lot of space on a desk. It features CNC-machined stainless steel adjustment knobs and a medical grade silicone overmolded body. The dock has micro-suction cups at the bottom that allow it to remain firmly planted on a flat surface. It comes in two variants: a Matte White model with a 5-ft braided blue cord and a Matte Black model with a 5-ft dark braided cord, according to MacRumors.
ElevationDock 4 models
Elevation Lab says its new ElevationDock 4 is the first Apple MFi-certified dock built for one-handed use. Its Lightning connector is also very sturdy that it only flexes under high torque. It’s also important to note that the device does not require assembly for the braided Lightning cable is already integrated into the dock. Hence, consumers can right away use the dock straight out of the box.
The new ElevationDock 4 is priced at $59. Preorders for the device have already been opened. Even though Elevation Lab did not give a specific release date, it did say that it will begin shipping the dock within two weeks. Moreover, customers residing in the U.S. won’t have to pay for shipping. Other pertinent details about ElevationDock 4 are listed on its official product page.
ElevationDock 4 setup
Though Elevation Lab started in 2007, it wasn’t until the year 2012 when it decided to come up with its own dock for Apple’s iPhones. At the time, a Kickstarter project was launched for the first ElevationDock. Within eight hours, the campaign reached its funding goal of $75,000 and it went on to garner over $1.4 million in pledges by over 15K backers from 92 countries who were very eager to own a simple yet very efficient dock for the iPhone.
The all-new ElevationDock 4 is designed for one-handed use.