Skip to main content

It’s about time! A USB-C magnetic charger for the Apple Watch has finally arrived

Apple Watch Series 4 Review
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

While most of the recent buzz surrounding Apple has been about the iPhone XR, the company has also introduced a new accessory to its lineup for the Apple Watch. First spotted by 9to5 Mac, a USB-C charger for the smartwatch is currently listed on Apple’s site and will be available starting October 24.

Featuring a 0.3-meter cable and coming in at $29, the new Apple Watch charger doesn’t look any different than its predecessors, you’ll now be able to purchase an Apple Watch charger that’s compatible with current MacBook models — aside from the MacBook Air.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The news comes only a day after Apple sent out invites to its hardware event on October 30, where the company is expected to debut its new iPad Pro, as well as new Mac models. While any rumors have yet to be confirmed, it’s been reported that the iPad Pro will ditch the Lightning port for USB-C as well — but we’ll have to wait until the end of the month for any concrete information.

The new charger also arrives just in time for those who purchased an Apple Watch following the release of the Apple Watch Series 4, which boasts a few new features. Since there’s a 30-percent larger display and a redesigned modular watch face, users can see more detailed information like stocks, heart rate, track scores, and more. The smartwatch also has the ability to screen your heart rhythm in the background and send you a notification if it detects irregular rhythm — which could point to atrial fibrillation.

Battery life on the Series 4 remains the same, with 18-hour all-day battery life. Apple increased outdoor workout time to 6 hours, with full GPS tracking for long bike rides. In our review of the smartwatch, we found that with only notifications turned on and shutting it off overnight, it was able to last close to 24 hours — but that’s without GPS, fitness tracking, or cellular.

As for the new USB-C charger, 9to5Mac notes that it won’t charge your Apple Watch quicker than the Type-A since the induction charger on the back of the Apple Watch remains the same. But it will be far more convenient for those who use their MacBooks as a power source.

Editors' Recommendations

Brenda Stolyar
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brenda became obsessed with technology after receiving her first Dell computer from her grandpa in the second grade. While…
Apple to drop blood oxygen tool from Apple Watches to avoid import ban
Renders of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 next to each other.

Apple has moved to avoid a U.S. import ban impacting the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 caused by a patent dispute with California firm Masimo.

A letter from Masimo to an appeals court judge dated January 15 said that the tech giant could avoid a recently instated import ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 by removing the blood oxygen app from these Apple Watches.

Read more
The Apple Watch has already saved someone’s life this year
Crash Detection mode on the Apple Watch SE 2.

Natalie Nasatka was feeling disoriented, but she didn't know that she was suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, she was able to use the SOS feature on her Apple Watch before losing consciousness. The feature automatically dialed 911 and alerted emergency services, who were able to respond in time to save her life.

Called the silent killer because it has no color, odor, or taste, carbon monoxide sends 50,000 Americans to the emergency room and claims 400 lives each year.

Read more
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 come with a charger?
The Apple Watch Series 9 on charge.

The Apple Watch Series 9 was released in September 2023 and received mostly positive reviews. It has several new features over its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 8 — including a brighter display, a new S9 processor, carbon neutrality, and more.

But you might ask yourself whether the wearable device has a charging block (power adapter) in the box. In a world where most smartphones don't come with a charger, does the Apple Watch Series 9 come with one?
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 come with a charger?

Read more