Apple Shipping New Apple Watches Without Power Adapter, but iPad Air Includes 20W USB-C Charger

Apple today announced the new Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE, and in an effort to cut down on packaging, Apple plans to ship some of the new Apple Watch models without power adapters for the first time.

applewatchpoweradapter
The new Apple Watches continue to ship with a 1m Magnetic Charging Cable, but the 5W power adapter that used to come with a watch is not included in the box for ‌Apple Watch SE‌ and aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watch Series 6 models. Higher-end titanium and Hermès models do, however, continue to include a power adapter.

Rumors have suggested that Apple also plans to eliminate the power adapter from iPhone models as well to save money because of the expense of 5G, and the removal of the power adapter from the Apple Watch box seemingly confirms these plans.

The new iPad Air that was announced today will continue to ship with a power adapter, however. It includes a new 20W USB-C power adapter that works with the new USB-C port that replaces the Lightning port.

ipadairpoweradapter
The eighth-generation low-cost iPad also comes with the same 20W power adapter along with a USB-C to Lightning cable for charging purposes.

The new Apple Watch models and the eighth-generation ‌iPad‌ can be purchased from Apple starting today, while the ‌iPad Air‌ will be available in October.

Update: This article was updated to note that titanium and Hermès Apple Watch Series 6 models continue to include a power adapter in the box.

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Top Rated Comments

hlfway2anywhere Avatar
63 months ago

I was ready to buy, and I think they’ve actually convinced me not to...
You were ready to drop over $400 and changed your mind because a 5W power adapter that you probably already have, and if you don't, can buy for $5, isn't included? Or for some other, more rational reason?
Score: 64 Votes (Like | Disagree)
richpjr Avatar
63 months ago
Cutting down on packaging really means new and innovative ways to increase profits.
Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JPack Avatar
63 months ago
Oh yeah. Packaging. That's the issue.

Don't mind the iPhone cases and Watch bands in a million colors selling for $39.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fokmik Avatar
63 months ago

Well this basically confirms the iPhones from here on out will not come with a power adapter.

I wonder what's next, buying cars without wheels?
Whats next? android world to do the same
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mattster16 Avatar
63 months ago
I'm ok with this. Power adapters are so ubiquitous at this point. It's essentially becoming instant environmental waste. Buying a new phone and switching to the new power adapter even though the old one is still perfectly functional, etc.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jincheker Avatar
63 months ago
I like the creative reason they gave for not including a power adapter. I agree, and I decided to not buy the watch so that they can produce less for even better environment.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)