Apple Watch Fast Charging to Be Mandatory for Accessory Makers

[MacRumors]

Apple has told Apple Watch accessory makers that they will have to switch to its fast-charging module, according to AppleInsider.

Apple Watch fast charging was introduced with the Apple Watch Series 7 in 2021, enabling devices to charge rapidly from 0 percent to 80 percent in about 45 minutes. Apple apparently had shortages of the newer charging module at first, forcing some MFi accessory makers to use the older, slower technology. Going forward, Apple is focusing on production of fast-charging modules only.

Companies can continue to submit plans for accessories that include the original, non-fast-charging variant of the Apple Watch charger module (C162) until August 31, 2023. The C162 module supplied by Apple will no longer be available via its MFi program from September 30, 2023. Only the fast-charging module (C962) will apparently be available thereafter. Apple is believed to charge manufacturers more for the C962 module than its predecessor, meaning that some existing accessories could see price rises.

Article Link: Apple Watch Fast Charging to Be Mandatory for Accessory Makers

 

[mapsdotapp]

 

[jz0309]

View attachment 2242722

has this actually been resolved?

 

[jz0309]

never saw the need for a 3rd party charger/stand, me that is. and I only use the fast charging when traveling.
my ultra does fine on my old S0 puck, had it since launch day, battery health 100%

 

[crobcary]

never saw the need for a 3rd party charger/stand, me that is. and I only use the fast charging when traveling.
my ultra does fine on my old S0 puck, had it since launch day, battery health 100%

Same here—I have a round dock from a past Edition, and I use that every day. I keep the braided cord for travel, but otherwise the “standard” charging wattage works fabulously for me and I think (but may be wrong) that it helps with the battery’s longevity.

 

[chrfr]

has this actually been resolved?

There have been no revisions to the MagSafe Duo Charger; it still does not support fast charging of the Watch.

 

[fwmireault]

View attachment 2242722

The irony, can’t believe this first party accessory still doesn’t support fast charging almost two years after its introduction

 

[jz0309]

There have been no revisions to the MagSafe Duo Charger; it still does not support fast charging of the Watch.

Wow, that’s sad, on Apples part

 

[Skofeldt]

Has anyone found a cheap docking station with fast charging on Amazon or AliExpress? Can’t find one…

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

And yet the Magsafe Duo pad doesn't support fast charging, yet they're making everyone else support it

God I hate the MFi Program and cannot wait for USB-C to arrive on the iPhone so this program slowly dies.

 

[jforsander]

I'm expecting that Apple will release a new version of the MagSafe Duo alongside the new iPhones and Apple Watches this fall that switches from Lightning to USB-C and supports Apple Watch fast charging.

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

I hope that Apple updates its chargers alongside the iPhone 15 lineup this year. It also would be nice if they launched a proprietary 4-1 boost charger 😍

 

[Rychiar]

Is it just me or does it seem like the regular Apple Watch chargers get it to 85% in 45 mins?🤷‍♂️ I’ve never felt a need to look into fast charging.

 

[friedmud]

I'm expecting that Apple will release a new version of the MagSafe Duo alongside the new iPhones and Apple Watches this fall that switches from Lightning to USB-C and supports Apple Watch fast charging.

I think they will do away with it and come out with a solution that keeps the phone propped up in Landscape position to use the new Lock Screen capabilities.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Is it just me or does it seem like the regular Apple Watch chargers get it to 85% in 45 mins?🤷‍♂️ I’ve never felt a need to look into fast charging.

It depends on what’s meant by “regular”, really. If being bought today, the regular one is the fastest charge. If the “regular” one was bought in the past and the puck is matte silver, it’s either the fastest charge (which is what you noted) or one generation older which is a little slower, but not horrible. If it’s shiny or plastic, it’s the much older “regular” one which, by today’s metrics, feels like it’s not even charging at all.

 

[SFjohn]

View attachment 2242722

Perhaps Apple will update this device to fast charging, and add another pad for AirPod charging! 🤞🏻

 

[bigjnyc]

I'm expecting that Apple will release a new version of the MagSafe Duo alongside the new iPhones and Apple Watches this fall that switches from Lightning to USB-C and supports Apple Watch fast charging.

I am hoping for this as well. I love the quality, form factor of the magsafe duo and it's minimalism.... But I find myself needing fast charging since I only charge my watch for an hour or 2 per day while I shower and get dressed.

 

[darngooddesign]

The C162 module supplied by Apple will no longer be available via its MFi program from September 30, 2023. Only the fast-charging module (C962) will apparently be available thereafter.

So its because the old part will no longer be made; that sounds less nefarious.

Apple is believed to charge manufacturers more for the C962 module than its predecessor, meaning that some existing accessories could see price rises.

I wonder how much more expensive the new module is.

 

[Rychiar]

It depends on what’s meant by “regular”, really. If being bought today, the regular one is the fastest charge. If the “regular” one was bought in the past and the puck is matte silver, it’s either the fastest charge (which is what you noted) or one generation older which is a little slower, but not horrible. If it’s shiny or plastic, it’s the much older “regular” one which, by today’s metrics, feels like it’s not even charging at all.

I mean series 5. I know it’s not fast charge capable but it seems to charge that fast

 

[dannyyankou]

has this actually been resolved?

Is it something they can fix with just a software update?

 

[BigMcGuire]

I have both cables, old USB A to Apple Watch, and the new USB C to Apple Watch. When plugged into a 20w+ source, the USB C charger can charge the Watch REALLY really fast.

I have an Apple Watch Ultra so my comments may not be super applicable but the Ultra charges really slowly on the USB A cable (I use this most of the time - still gets fairly warm but takes FOREVER to charge).

Got my wife a Belkin wireless charger back in June and made sure that it had AW fast charging: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5XWJW36/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 got this when it was on sale for $120. Looks like this is the device in the above pic?

 

[Jimmy Bubbles]

Perhaps Apple will update this device to fast charging, and add another pad for AirPod charging! 🤞🏻

They could call it the "Maxi Pro Pad - we've got you covered"

 

[Unregistered 4U]

I mean series 5. I know it’s not fast charge capable but it seems to charge that fast

Series 5 was around the time when the faster charging was introduced. Anyone with older watches trying to charge today’s watches (with those old chargers) will experience the pain. I think a slightly faster cable than Series 5 was introduced within the last few years, but it’s not dramatically faster.

UPDATE: Series 6 was when they introduced new watch charging speed (that only works with the newest cable), but 5th isn’t too far behind it. Both are significantly faster than Series 1 though.

 

[Rychiar]

Series 5 was around the time when the faster charging was introduced. Anyone with older watches trying to charge today’s watches (with those old chargers) will experience the pain. I think a slightly faster cable than Series 5 was introduced within the last few years, but it’s not dramatically faster.

I dont think it existed til series 7

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Still waiting for AirPower from Apple.

Apple Officially Cancels AirPower

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