Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Charger compatibility
- Thread starter Nixtoo
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Im going to guess that 3rd gen are. when Apple was on stage talking about AirPower (which uses Qi) they said it would only work with Series 3. So I'm hoping that it will.
That's why I asked the original question. I wondered in the fact it was Qi compatible meant it wouldn't work with the original charger.
I'm not sure the two are mutually exclusive (Qi compatibility and working with prior AW chargers), and I'm unsure that the Airpad compatibility necessarily means the S3 supports Qi. Basically, I guess we'll find out in a few days when people start getting S3 watches and try.
Apple confirmed to iMore that:
- Any Qi-compliant charger can charge iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X
- Apple Watch uses a proprietary wireless charging method, which only the Apple Magnetic Charging cable and MFi certified chargers support. These chargers are not able to charge any iPhone
- Only AirPower will be able to charge iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously (or other combinations thereof, e.g. two iPhones)
It actually makes sense in a way. Not all Qi chargers are created equal and for a watch with such a small battery and limited space for heat dispersion, Apple is probably worried about lawsuits.
The Airpower pads and anything certified to meet the criteria by 3rd parties will be able to charge any Apple Watch, however.