Makers of third-party Apple Watch chargers will reportedly no longer be able to build the old, slow Apple Watch charging puck into their products. The only one available will operate 33% faster than the original Apple Watch charger.
This means that, going forward, all new Apple Watch accessories will support Fast Charge.
Fast Charge for all Apple Watch accessories
Back in 2021, Apple Watch Series 7 added support for Fast Charge. This feature enabled the wearable to take in more power than its predecessors so the battery hit 100% more quickly. Subsequent models also include the feature.
Fast Charge requires an improved charging puck called (logically enough) the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger. This accessory comes bundled with Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra.
But Apple’s charging cable is just one of many options. Companies like Belkin, Pitaka, SwitchEasy and many more make charging stands, power banks, etc., with built-in Apple Watch charging pucks. Not all of these include support Apple Watch Fast Charge.
That’s changing. Apple soon will stop selling accessory-makers the older, slower puck, according to AppleInsider. This supposedly will happen at the end of August. After that, newly announced peripherals with integrated Apple Watch chargers should all support Fast Charging.
The downside is that Apple charges accessory-makers more for the improved pucks. You can expect them to pass the extra cost along to consumers.
There’s a caveat, though. This looming upgrade only applies to companies that take part in the Apple MFi program. Those who are not can buy cheaper, non-Apple authorized charging pucks that may or may not offer the increased charging speed — and might not work well at all. Always look for the Made for Apple Watch emblem on products to identify accessories that are part of the MFi program.
