Apple Shipping New Apple Watches Without Power Adapter, but iPad Air Includes 20W USB-C Charger

[CescoAiel]

heck, why even include charging cables. you should have an extra laying around

I'd actually prefer having the option to get (3rd party) charging cables offered separately on purchase, but since they very likely would NOT lower the price of the watch accordingly, I'll take theirs as a backup, and use my longer, braided 3rd party cable most of the time...

And I have approx 20 5W or more USB-A chargers, 9 of which are Apple bricks, and only 2 or 3 of those are in use... The rest are 3rd party multi-port chargers, because of outlet vs usb charging port density (and that is ignoring the 4 or 5 usb-power outlet combinations in the walls...)
And all of that *after* selling miscellaneous old devices *with* their charger...

I also have a handful of USB C to A adapter plugs, allowing me to use USB-A cables with my USB-C ports on chargers and MacBook Pro...

Because of the environment, I am happy they finally dropped the USB adapter, and I could really care less whether their motivation is the environment, or the 99 cents or so they're saving on each adapter they do NOT include...

 

[deeddawg]

heck, why even include charging cables. you should have an extra laying around

For common stuff today like lightning to USBA and micro-B to USBA, I'd be fine with that.

Make it super clear that the buyer of course.

So many people btch about their Apple OEM cables failing (mine haven't), they shouldn't miss them at all.

Seriously though - I expect fewer folks have extra cables than spare USB power outlets/adapters, but in time perhaps we can get to a place with those things are more a la carte and folks who don't want/need them don't get them, and those who do can get them at a reasonable price.

Edit - I'd love it if I could buy an Apple Watch without a band.

 

[I7guy]

doubtful.

I'm not so sure of that. You're the exception if you have no other USB ports (or cables) around the house, either with USB accessories other charging bricks, computers, laptops outlets that have USB ports, cable boxes, charging batteries such as Anker, etc. You might have to spring for one.

 

[I7guy]

So are you going to to keep swapping the cable out to charge them? When are you going to charge your iPhone if charging your watch overnight? Both devices need daily charging...

I bought a charging pad for my iPhone a while back.

 

[canned_tuna_og]

Yes, but why does that matter?

I really do have a drawer full of chargers. I bet I have 20. It seems every time I go to a conference they give you a powerbank with a charger. Then every couple of years when you replace a phone, earbuds, echo, Kindle, etc you get another one for each of those. Do that for a while and you get a stack of them.

My kids destroy my chargers. Didn't know that about the conferences.

 

[Mgamma]

Apple today announced the new Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE, and in an effort to cut down on packaging, Apple plans to ship some of the new Apple Watch models without power adapters for the first time.

The new Apple Watches continue to ship with a 1m Magnetic Charging Cable, but the 5W power adapter that used to come with a watch is not included in the box for Apple Watch SE and aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watch Series 6 models. Higher-end titanium and Hermès models do, however, continue to include a power adapter.

Rumors have suggested that Apple also plans to eliminate the power adapter from iPhone models as well to save money because of the expense of 5G, and the removal of the power adapter from the Apple Watch box seemingly confirms these plans.

The new iPad Air that was announced today will continue to ship with a power adapter, however. It includes a new 20W USB-C power adapter that works with the new USB-C port that replaces the Lightning port.

The eighth-generation low-cost iPad also comes with the same 20W power adapter along with a USB-C to Lightning cable for charging purposes.

The new Apple Watch models and the eighth-generation iPad can be purchased from Apple starting today, while the iPad Air will be available in October.

Update: This article was updated to note that titanium and Hermès Apple Watch Series 6 models continue to include a power adapter in the box.

Article Link: Apple Shipping New Apple Watches Without Power Adapter, but iPad Air Includes 20W USB-C Charger

Thats not very smart, so I can only charge one device at a time because I have to use my iPhone charger to charge both.

 

[Mgamma]

Honestly, I’m fine with it. If you have a Watch it implies you have an iPhone...which includes an adapter.

But you can only charge one at a time!

 

[mariusignorello]

But you can only charge one at a time!

Oh hell I don’t know then! 🤣

 

[Tech198]

iPad singled out with a charger shipped... oh well, That will be next on the chopping block

Apple's only using this because "they'd designed a new charger for it" wow.. lol.. Guess they didnt wanna waste *that* effect then.

 

[deeddawg]

Thats not very smart, so I can only charge one device at a time because I have to use my iPhone charger to charge both.

Are really so helpless that you cannot pick up a $5 USB charger from your local grocery/convenience/drug store? If you're mobility impaired, you can buy an OEM 5W charger on ebay and have it delivered to your door for less than $5.

Or are you just being obtuse?

It is a vary rare person who truly has no other USBA power sources available. In those exception cases, the solution is simple and easy, but since it's MacRumors let's make a tempest in a teacup over it.

 

[unoporfavor]

Honestly, I’m fine with it. If you have a Watch it implies you have an iPhone...which includes an adapter.

You don't need an iPhone for the watch. Can attach to the family plan. So now Have to go and buy 2 chargers for a very expensive device
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Are really so helpless that you cannot pick up a $5 USB charger from your local grocery/convenience/drug store? If you're mobility impaired, you can buy an OEM 5W charger on ebay and have it delivered to your door for less than $5.

Or are you just being obtuse?

It is a vary rare person who truly has no other USBA power sources available. In those exception cases, the solution is simple and easy, but since it's MacRumors let's make a tempest in a teacup over it.

I don't think anyone is saying they can't go pickup a USB charger. That's not the point. The point being you can't charge the device out of the box.

 

[unoporfavor]

Why does everyone have so many USB chargers in their bottom draw, yet say this is about reducing eWaste. If the chargers are at home, they're not in landfill so how is it waste?

I have a couple of spare wheels and tyres at home. Does that mean I'm reducing landfill and cars can stop shipping with wheels? Or is it increasing waste by buying a car with tyres and wheels and not using the spares I have?

 

[unoporfavor]

But you can only charge one at a time!

this *1,000,000 ! It's just Apple squeezing another $1 out of the customer who then have to go and buy another charger (or multi-charger) that is individually produced, packaged, shipped, and stocked. Not reducing any waste but rather creating more.

 

[deeddawg]

Why does everyone have so many USB chargers in their bottom draw, yet say this is about reducing eWaste. If the chargers are at home, they're not in landfill so how is it waste?

Waste of resources to mine the metals, pump oil for plastics, etc ..all to make stuff that’ll sit in a drawer until they’re eventually trashed.

You don’t see that as a waste?

 

[unoporfavor]

Waste of resources to mine the metals, pump oil for plastics, etc ..all to make stuff that’ll sit in a drawer until they’re eventually trashed.

You don’t see that as a waste?

I think USB chargers will still be required. I guess power sockets will all have USB ports in time, but there maybe still requirements to have a separate charger. I don't know for sure, but it sounds like you do.
Now you have a separate production line, packaging, shipping/delivery, and retailing, for the same type of product.
You don't see that as more wasteful?

 

[deeddawg]

I think USB chargers will still be required. I guess power sockets will all have USB ports in time, but there maybe still requirements to have a separate charger. I don't know for sure, but it sounds like you do.
Now you have a separate production line, packaging, shipping/delivery, and retailing, for the same type of product.
You don't see that as more wasteful?

Not at all. The multi port chargers that create charging points at my desk and dresser have transcended several generations of phones, watches, headphones, and other USB powered/charged devices over the past several years.

I’d have these regardless of whether my devices had USB bricks included. Single port bricks just aren’t realistic in those spots

The waste is that manufactures keep making and shipping single port bricks that many if not most people simply don’t use.

It’s time for people to break out of the paradigm of a limited utility single port brick being included with every single device.

 

[unoporfavor]

Not at all. The multi port chargers that create charging points at my desk and dresser have transcended several generations of phones, watches, headphones, and other USB powered/charged devices over the past several years.

I’d have these regardless of whether my devices had USB bricks included. Single port bricks just aren’t realistic in those spots

The waste is that manufactures keep making and shipping single port bricks that many if not most people simply don’t use.

It’s time for people to break out of the paradigm of a limited utility single port brick being included with every siimge device.

Totally agree that the single port chargers are less useful. Of course they have their use. For example someone that gets a watch and no way to charge like 2 kids in my household. They don't have another device, or a fancy work desk with them built in. If you sell a device you would usually include the charging device or do we just say to the new owner "you probably have one in your drawer". The USB ports in extensions and wall ports are usually low amp too.
I guess we could expect multi-port chargers in iPhone/laptop devices going forward? Perhaps with USB-C and 2x USB-A to reduce waste that Apple is keen to do. Or perhaps a universal wireless charger to be used across devices.
Like your thinking!

 

[deeddawg]

For example someone that gets a watch and no way to charge like 2 kids in my household. They don't have another device, or a fancy work desk with them built in.

For the record, my not-fancy work desk has nothing built in.

Hopefully, the 2 kids (or a parent) looks at the product description and what is / isn't included. Since we parents are very used to checking if toys do or don't come with batteries so as to avoid disappointment, this isn't that different a paradigm. It's also not new for Apple - neither Airpods nor Beats Solo3 come with a charging brick. Nor do a variety of other things you might buy - Anker Qi charging stand and AfterShokz Aeropex headphones being a couple of my own purchases that don't come with a USB brick.

Fortunately, Apple does make it quite clear in the whats-in-the-box section. Presumably, in time when in-store sales are more common (Apple Stores still closed here), the associates will also make things clear to prospective buyers.

I think this is the direction to move towards. Some folks may get caught out in the transition, but with the solution as close as the nearest convenience/drug/grocery store, I'd expect the real world impact to be far less than some here imagine.

Also, FWIW, I can recommend this multiport charger as a decent looking unit with good flexibility and potential for future:

Nekmit USB C Charger, Thin Flat 52W 4-Port Fast Wall Charger with Two 20W Power Delivery and 2 Port for iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max, Galaxy, Pixel, iPad Pro, AirPods More, Upgraded

Nekmit USB C Charger, Thin Flat 52W 4-Port Fast Wall Charger with Two 20W Power Delivery and 2 Port for iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max, Galaxy, Pixel, iPad Pro, AirPods More, Upgraded

www.amazon.com

 

[I7guy]

Why does everyone have so many USB chargers in their bottom draw, yet say this is about reducing eWaste. If the chargers are at home, they're not in landfill so how is it waste?

I have a couple of spare wheels and tyres at home. Does that mean I'm reducing landfill and cars can stop shipping with wheels? Or is it increasing waste by buying a car with tyres and wheels and not using the spares I have?

Obviously can't go back and UN-manfacture the charging bricks. But going forward you'll be able to leverage the many USB charges that are in the bottom draw. Possibly give them away or sell them.

The movement of 100,000 units of a product, such as b/t headphones, from manufacturing to purchasing consumer, without a charger takes less space with the reduction of packaging and weight than the same 100,000 units of the same product with a charger in the box.

The scenario of not putting rims and tires does not scale the same way as above from a vehicle leaving the assembly line to arriving at a customer's purchase location. It becomes much more difficult to move the car an inch without rims and tires, and that becomes the enemy of new car market.

this *1,000,000 ! It's just Apple squeezing another $1 out of the customer who then have to go and buy another charger (or multi-charger) that is individually produced, packaged, shipped, and stocked. Not reducing any waste but rather creating more.

Why do you assume that Apple will get the $1? Are there not enough MFi accessories that sell for the cheap? One can buy either a small brick or a big multi-charger that fits their use case, if they even need one.

What does one do when they buy a non-Apple consumer grade electronic USB product without a charger in the box? And how is that different than what Apple is doing?

 

[deeddawg]

The movement of 100,000 units of a product, such as b/t headphones, from manufacturing to purchasing consumer, without a charger takes less space with the reduction of packaging and weight than the same 100,000 units of the same product with a charger in the box.

Also - if not including a wall charger, the manufacturer need not create multiple different sorts of product packaging to accommodate the myriad different mains plugs across the world. They may still need to change the text/languages on the stickers and inserts, but the base packaging shape/type remains static.

Why do you assume that Apple will get the $1?

I find it amusing that those quibbling about Apple saving the $1 don't mention the savings they're getting from Apple not raising prices the past two years despite inflation. $400 in August 2018 would be $413 today, yet base S6 watch price remains $400. https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

... and I doubt the 5W bricks cost Apple even $1. Look on Alibaba and there's many single-port 5W chargers being sold for ~60 cents or sometimes less (in bulk); and those vendors are making a profit at those prices.

 

[unoporfavor]

For the record, my not-fancy work desk has nothing built in.

Hopefully, the 2 kids (or a parent) looks at the product description and what is / isn't included. Since we parents are very used to checking if toys do or don't come with batteries so as to avoid disappointment, this isn't that different a paradigm. It's also not new for Apple - neither Airpods nor Beats Solo3 come with a charging brick. Nor do a variety of other things you might buy - Anker Qi charging stand and AfterShokz Aeropex headphones being a couple of my own purchases that don't come with a USB brick.

Fortunately, Apple does make it quite clear in the whats-in-the-box section. Presumably, in time when in-store sales are more common (Apple Stores still closed here), the associates will also make things clear to prospective buyers.

I think this is the direction to move towards. Some folks may get caught out in the transition, but with the solution as close as the nearest convenience/drug/grocery store, I'd expect the real world impact to be far less than some here imagine.


View attachment 957369


Also, FWIW, I can recommend this multiport charger as a decent looking unit with good flexibility and potential for future:

Nekmit USB C Charger, Thin Flat 52W 4-Port Fast Wall Charger with Two 20W Power Delivery and 2 Port for iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max, Galaxy, Pixel, iPad Pro, AirPods More, Upgraded

Nekmit USB C Charger, Thin Flat 52W 4-Port Fast Wall Charger with Two 20W Power Delivery and 2 Port for iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max, Galaxy, Pixel, iPad Pro, AirPods More, Upgraded

www.amazon.com

I think you are missing the point.

Not including something that is necessary for the device to function is not about 'checking what's the box'. That's disingenuous strawman argument.
The issue is, you cannot use without it, in addition it is an expensive item that should include it. If Apple want to reduce eWaste then they could bundle multi-port adapters not make you purchase another item that has to be produced in another factory, packaged individually (producing more waste packaging), shipped individually (producing carbon from transport), then stocked separately (with all the costs that go with that).
This isn't about eWaste. This is about Apple finding a way to make a smaller box and reduce costs.

The airpods isn't the same discussion. It comes with a battery pack so you can charge at a completely different time.

 

[deeddawg]

Not including something that is necessary for the device to function is not about 'checking what's the box'.

There are many devices that come without a 5W USB brick, something that’s not an issue for the majority of buyers and is cheaply and simply solved for those few who have no other 5W USB power source. All of those devices require a USB source to recharge and thereby function.

Turns out this year the Apple Watch joins that cadre of devices.

I say that’s a good thing.

This isn't about eWaste. This is about Apple finding a way to make a smaller box and reduce costs.

Sure, Apple is likely saving whopping 40-50¢ per device, as well as reducing eWaste.

So what if they save a little? Why waste that money making stuff that's useless and unwanted for most buyers?

Plus, if it's all about the $$$ note that you’re already saving >$13(**) per $400 watch relative to two years ago since Apple hasn’t raised prices for inflation since the S4. Seems you’re ahead a bunch yet complaining about a pittance.

As you’re not going to change my mind and I really don’t care whether I change yours, I’ll wish you a good day.

(*) See Alibaba vendor pricing for 5W bricks and realize they’re selling those for a profit at 60¢ each. Therefore costs likely a fair bit less.

(**) See BLS CPI calculator - $400 in Sep 2018 would be worth ~$413 in Aug/Sep 2020

 

[unoporfavor]

Also - if not including a wall charger, the manufacturer need not create multiple different sorts of product packaging to accommodate the myriad different mains plugs across the world. They may still need to change the text/languages on the stickers and inserts, but the base packaging shape/type remains static.

As long as we agree this is for Apple's benefit and no one else's, then yes agree.

I find it amusing that those quibbling about Apple saving the $1 don't mention the savings they're getting from Apple not raising prices the past two years despite inflation. $400 in August 2018 would be $413 today, yet base S6 watch price remains $400. https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

Micro economic theory often leave out technological advancement, but not in macro economics. I think we could all understand that the cost of production and efficiencies lowers the cost over time (like inflation increases it).
As such, the price has not decreased over time and there has been no reduction despite excluding hardware.

 

[unoporfavor]

There are many devices that come without a 5W USB brick, something that’s not an issue for the majority of buyers and is cheaply and simply solved for those few who have no other 5W USB power source. All of those devices require a USB source to recharge and thereby function.

Turns out this year the Apple Watch joins that cadre of devices.

I say that’s a good thing.



Sure, Apple is likely saving whopping 40-50¢ per device, as well as reducing eWaste.

So what if they save a little? Why waste that money making stuff that's useless and unwanted for most buyers?

Plus, if it's all about the $$$ note that you’re already saving >$13(**) per $400 watch relative to two years ago since Apple hasn’t raised prices for inflation since the S4. Seems you’re ahead a bunch yet complaining about a pittance.

As you’re not going to change my mind and I really don’t care whether I change yours, I’ll wish you a good day.

(*) See Alibaba vendor pricing for 5W bricks and realize they’re selling those for a profit at 60¢ each. Therefore costs likely a fair bit less.

(**) See BLS CPI calculator - $400 in Sep 2018 would be worth ~$413 in Aug/Sep 2020

Apple said this was about reducing eWaste. You've bought up the money savings. If it's so little then why not include it. People will still need a charger of some sort. Yes it's not a huge amount of money in comparison to the device. It will be even less to Apple at time of manufacture.

I mean a lot of people I've seen replace the straps on the watches. Why include those.

I'm interested to know how you came to the conclusion that the stuff like chargers is unwanted by 'most buyers'.

There is no savings. Inflation increases prices, technology reduces costs, as does economies of scale, so it's not quite as simple as just saying 'they haven't increased the price so it's actually cheaper'.

 

[ericwn]

I was ready to buy, and I think they’ve actually convinced me not to...

Because you have no free usb outlets to charge at your place? I find that harder to believe with each passing year.