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Apr 12, 2001
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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.

apple-watch-charger-s7.jpg

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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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”??
 
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.
 
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.
 
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