What is the difference between Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock v1 & v2?

[timidhermit]

Apple apparently released two versions of the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock. The part numbers are different: MLDW2AM/A (old) and MU9F2AM/A (current as of April 2019). The model numbers are also different: A1714 (old) and A2086 (current as of April 2019).

Can someone tell me what the differences are between these two versions of the charging dock? I have not been able to find any article online discussing this... very odd. Though the external design appears to be the same, it is obvious that there are some major internal hardware changes to mandate a manufacturing badge change.

 

[twanj]

I don't know, but I believe there's another thread on here how the charging puck has changed slightly with S4, so maybe that's all there is?

Coincidentally, I heard the Dock is on sale at Best Buy but in store only right now.

Can anyone confirm, & if so which model (new or old)?

 

[axantas]

Never had a look at the model number. All I know is, that the Apple desk puck I bought with my former S0 years ago, now charges my S4 and S3. It still does its job and the watch is not complaining anything.

 

[CWallace]

I have the A2086, but never having had the A1714 I cannot do a direct comparison.

 

[Donnation]

Not sure, but I can verify that the V1 works perfectly with the Series 4 watch.

 

[timidhermit]

This is interesting. Spoke to a senior advisor today. Even the senior advisor does not know the difference. He is only able to confirm that the SKU are different and that the replacement is not region specific so it is worldwide.

 

[Azathoth123]

Reportedly the recess in the v2 models for the S4 are a little deeper. That appears to be true when using a 3rd party charger designed for the pre-S4 models, so the v2 charger recess will fit the S4 a little better. However, both work.

 

[menace3]

I believe the latter has the upgraded charging plug for the wall. At some point Apple updated these and it might charge better or evenly or something. I still have the first one and it works great and fast.

 

[bluespark]

The 44mm watches sold now are slightly larger than the 42mm watches sold previously. The old magnetic charging dock was designed so that the then-current watch would be centered on the charging puck when charging on its side (e.g., in nighttime mode). Because of the slight generational change in watch size, the current watches don't fit on the old dock with quite that level of precision (though they work fine that way). The new dock addresses that issue and accordingly is the better choice with a current-generation Apple Watch.

It's a very subtle change, and the type of thing that most companies probably wouldn't bother with. But Apple likes to get those types of details right.

 

[GeekyGrannie]

I don't know, but I believe there's another thread on here how the charging puck has changed slightly with S4, so maybe that's all there is?

Coincidentally, I heard the Dock is on sale at Best Buy but in store only right now.

Can anyone confirm, & if so which model (new or old)?

I see the old version listed online. Interestingly, it says, "It charges both the 38mm and 42mm models." It does not mention the series 4 (40mm and 44mm).