Apple warns users about safety hazards and performance issues with non-certified chargers for Apple Watch. Counterfeit or uncertified chargers can cause slow charging, repeated chimes, and reduced battery lifespan. Authentic Apple chargers are white with text and regulatory markings. MFi-certified chargers meet safety and performance standards and have a special logo. Use a Mac to check the manufacturer of your Watch charger. Stick to Apple's recommendations for a reliable, MFi-certified charger to avoid potential risks to your Apple Watch and personal safety.
Apple is urging users to ditch their third-party Apple Watch chargers, citing potential safety hazards and performance issues. In a recent support document update, the tech giant highlighted the risks associated with using non-MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad) certified charging accessories for the popular smartwatch. “If you use a counterfeit or uncertified charger, you could experience slow charging, repeated chimes, and reduced battery lifespan,” said Apple in the support document.
How to identify authentic Apple chargers?
On the support page, Apple says “authentic charging connectors made by Apple are white. Some Apple Watch chargers have text and regulatory markings on the charging cable.” Chargers that are not made by Apple might have different colours, text, or other designs on the surface of the charging connector, added Apple. Like most Apple chargers, the
Apple Watch charger
is white in colour. However, with
Apple Watch Ultra
, Apple has made the cable braided.
Apple Watch users can also get MFi-certified chargers. MFi-certified chargers have undergone Apple's stringent testing and are guaranteed to meet the company's safety and performance standards. They bear a special "Made for Apple Watch" or "MFi" logo on the packaging and the charger itself.
How to check the manufacturer of your charger?
Apple also lists out steps to check who has manufactured the Watch charger but you will need a Mac to do that. In case you have a Mac, follow these steps:
Connect your Apple Watch charging cable to your Mac.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click General in the sidebar.
Click About on the right.
Click System Report.
Click USB.
Choose your watch charger to view details.
Locate the manufacturer. Watch chargers made by Apple list Apple Inc. as the manufacturer.
What should Apple Watch users do?
While the use of non-certified chargers may seem like a way to save money, the potential risks to your Apple Watch and personal safety are simply not worth it. Stick to Apple's recommendations and ensure your smartwatch enjoys a long and healthy life with a reliable, MFi-certified charger.
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