Belkin’s Dock: A Turning Point for Android Accessories

• Third-party accessory support for Android wearables has lagged behind Apple for years. • Belkin’s new Qi2 modular charging dock adds adapters for Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch charging pucks. • The dock shows larger accessory brands are starting to prioritize Android compatibility as standards like Qi2 spread. • Limited support (no Pixel Watch 4 puck yet) shows the market still faces fragmentation challenges.

Why Android accessories fell behind

For much of the last decade, accessory makers focused on iPhone and Apple Watch ecosystems because they were simpler to support and sold in high volumes. That left Android users — especially owners of non-flagship phones and alternative wearables — with fewer reputable options.

Phones vs. wearables

Basics like cases and screen protectors are mostly available across Android devices. But specialized products—watch bands, charging docks, and modular stations—have remained sparse for Pixel, Galaxy Watch, and niche phones like the Nothing Phone (3).

Charging docks: an obvious pain point

Charging stations that consolidate a phone, earbuds, and smartwatch are an easy sell. Yet many 3-in-1 chargers default to an Apple Watch puck because most customers expect it. That left Android smartwatch owners with few unified options—until recently.

Belkin’s modular approach

At CES, Belkin showed a new Qi2 Modular Charging Dock that offers a simple but effective workaround: a pop-out ring in the dock’s rear that accepts silicone adapters holding different watch charging pucks.

Supported watches

Belkin’s solution supports Galaxy Watch pucks and Pixel Watch chargers for first-gen and Pixel Watch 2/3. Pixel Watch 4’s puck isn’t supported at launch, highlighting ongoing charger fragmentation from manufacturers like Google.

Why this matters

Belkin historically prioritizes Apple accessories, so its move to build an Android-friendly modular dock is significant. It signals that larger accessory brands see value in serving Pixel and Galaxy ecosystems as wireless standards such as Qi2 become more common.

What it means for buyers

Consumers should expect more cross-platform accessories in the coming year: more bands, chargers, and docks that work with Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch. That will make it easier to buy locally and avoid obscure third-party sellers for niche Android devices.

The road ahead

The industry is moving toward better Android support, but fragmentation persists. If more brands follow Belkin and Nomad with Pixel and Galaxy-compatible products, Android users will finally get a richer accessory ecosystem—without relying solely on first-party solutions.