Apple Warns Against Non-Certified Apple Watch Chargers

[MacRumors]

Apple today published a support document that warns customers against using non-certified Apple Watch chargers, which could cause slow charging, repeated chimes, and reduced battery span.

According to Apple, customers should only use chargers made by Apple or chargers that have Made for iPhone (MFi) certification with the Made for Apple Watch badge.

Apple provides images of genuine Apple Watch chargers and explains the text and regulatory markings that may be on the cable. "Chargers that are not made by Apple might have different colors, text, or other designs on the surface of the charging connector," reads the support document.

Apple also provides a list of model numbers for all of the cables that it has produced to date, and gives instructions for checking the manufacturer of a charger using a Mac.

To use this method, the Apple Watch needs to be connected to the Mac. When connected, go to System Settings and then Click on General. Choose About, and then System Report. Under USB, choose the Apple Watch charger to view the details. Watch chargers created by Apple will list Apple Inc. as the manufacturer.

Apple says that customers can ensure they are using a certified third-party charger by looking for the Made for Watch labeling or searching Apple's public database of MFi accessories.

Article Link: Apple Warns Against Non-Certified Apple Watch Chargers

 

[jz0309]

There are lots of posts in the AW forum of folks complaining about charging problems with 3rd party cables, esp fast charging, so maybe this is a good thing.

 

[coffeemilktea]

Well darn, I guess I shouldn't have bought my chargers from some shady guy selling them out of a trench coat in a back alley. 😩

 

[Apple_Robert]

Always buy certified. It’s not worth the fire risk or damage to a $1K+ device.

 

[cire1244]

Weirdly, I started having an issue with my dual watch / lightning charger a couple of weeks ago. Occasionally, the watch either wouldn't charge or drain significantly faster. Not sure which as I typically assume 100% charge when putting it on. That said, I'm going to continue to use it. I travel a lot and one less cord+adapter to carry makes a meaningful difference.

 

[OrenLindsey]

Always buy certified. It’s not worth the fire risk or damage to a $1K+ device.

Apple Watches aren't $1000 (unless you get the Hermes model)

 

[iPay]

Apple today published a support document that warns customers against using non-certified Apple Watch chargers, which could cause slow charging, repeated chimes, and reduced battery span.

More importantly, it would also reduce the More Financial Income (MFI) program.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Apple Watches aren't $1000 (unless you get the Hermes model)

The Ultra 2 cost me $968 with AC+. I would say that is close to $1K

 

[OrenLindsey]

The Ultra cost me $968 with AC+. I would say that is close to $1K

But, you have AppleCare+. If your watch is damaged by a charger, they'll replace it for free.

 

[Apple_Robert]

But, you have AppleCare+. If your watch is damaged by a charger, they'll replace it for free.

A bad charger can cause a fire. My point stands with my previous post

 

[theorist9]

Well darn, I guess I shouldn't have bought my chargers from some shady guy selling them out of a trench coat in a back alley. 😩

Unless that's also where you bought your Apple Watch .

 

[macizcool]

I generally buy name-brand chargers, but I thought generic would be fine with the Apple Watch. Guess I was wrong!

 

[foobarbaz]

A bad charger can cause a fire. My point stands with my previous post

A bad power supply surely can. But a bad Apple Watch charger running on 5V?

 

[AlmightyKang]

As always the standards are:

Generic brand: what's the cheapest thing I can make that looks like it works.

Cheap mainstream brand: who can I buy this from that isn't going to get me sued.

Apple: how do we product something that is fit for purpose

 

[Clamjuice65]

You should only be buying OEM chargers and cables through Apple only . Don’t even look at anker either apple brand products for your Apple devices 😎

 

[Roadster Lewis]

Well darn, I guess I shouldn't have bought my chargers from some shady guy selling them out of a trench coat in a back alley. 😩

It could be worse - my spare charger that I use when travelling is one I found in the gutter in a back alley. I should probably replace it with one of the spares from old watches we have somewhere.

Day to day it is the official fast one with an official iPad wall wart.

 

[t0rqx]

Cannot wait for the Magsafe version of this article.

 

[ZipZap]

SO it apple that has implemented the annoying chime that repeats over and over. I don't appreciate being forced to change with an apple overpriced cable. Is there any 3 or 4 in one that works?

 

[Howard2k]

SO it apple that has implemented the annoying chime that repeats over and over. I don't appreciate being forced to change with an apple overpriced cable. Is there any 3 or 4 in one that works?

You don’t have to. Apple is recommending that you use an MFi cable, but you can just go to Aliexpress or whatever and use whatever they have. Nobody is forcing you.

 

[RedTomato]

I don't mind Apple saying please use Apple chargers or use certified third party chargers. I'm still free to use a well-regarded non-certified third party charger eg Anker.

What I object to is the sheer flood of fake Apple chargers on Amazon and eBay. It's been over a decade since I swore never to buy an Apple charger off the internet, yet Apple has done nothing to stem this flood.

Fake Apple-branded laptop chargers, fake Apple-branded watch chargers, fake Apple-branded USB chargers for iPhones, the flood is never-ending. And I don't see any signs that Apple is putting any pressure on Amazon / eBay to deal with it.

 

[gumbyhw]

I’m confused by some of the labeling in apple’s support doc. Can you use an iPhone MagSafe to charge an Apple Watch? I thought that the same magnetic charger can charge a watch and airpods Pro 2. But what charging device would clamp to apply to “Watch | iPhone | MagSafe” (travel charger?) or “iPhone | iPad | iPod | Apple Watch”??

 

[10anta]

Can anyone recommend a decent folding travel charger suitable for iPhone 15 Pro Max and an Apple Watch?

They all seem to be cheap garbage or expensive and not much better.

 

[GregoriusM]

Apple Watches aren't $1000 (unless you get the Hermes model)

Where do you live? They sure as heck can be here in Canada, depending on the model.

 

[yabeweb]

As always the standards are:

Generic brand: what's the cheapest thing I can make that looks like it works.

Cheap mainstream brand: who can I buy this from that isn't going to get me sued.

Apple: how do we product something that is fit for purpose

More like
Apple : how do we force people to spend 20$ for a 10cm cable?

Apple sells the o ly electronics I know who “requires” “made for” cables.

 

[Sippincider]

Well darn, I guess I shouldn't have bought my chargers from some shady guy selling them out of a trench coat in a back alley. 😩

Or a random merchant selling them on the jungle place.