Apple has changed its policy around Apple Watch charging modules to make it easier for third-party accessories to use fast charging pucks.
Apple has changed its policy around Apple Watch charging modules to make it easier and mandatory for third-party accessories to use fast-charging pucks.
Third-party vendors will no longer have to use the older, slower Apple Watch charging pucks due to shortages of the newer charging modules.
Apple Watch charging module changes
Apple seems to have resolved its supply issues. A report from AppleInsider, based on a source from an accessory vendor, says the company will stop supplying the older charging module to accessory makers beginning October 2023.
Accessory manufacturers have until August 31, 2023 to submit product plans that include the original C162 slow-charging module to Apple for approval. But September 30, 2023 is the final date to order that version and afterwards, all new accessories then will be forced to use the updated C962 Fast Charge module.
The publication speculates that this could lead to pricier charging accessories because “it’s believed” that Apple charges suppliers more for the fast charge module. The report also claims that Apple will soon be offering iPhone accessory manufacturers both Made for MagSafe (MFM) and Qi2 wireless charging modules.
Apple Watch models that support fast charging
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the first Apple Watch model to feature a fast-charging function. Concretely, according to the company, the Apple Watch Series 7 charges 33 percent faster than the previous Apple Watch Series 6 model.
This has been achieved through a new charging architecture and the Magnetic Fast Charger USB-C Cable, which has the familiar charging pack on one end and a USB-C connector on the other. In other words, all Apple Watch models from the Apple Watch Series 7 onward support fast charging via the included charging puck.