Most Apple Watches ship without a charger in the box

Apple stopped including chargers with most Apple Watch models starting in 2021. When you open a new Apple Watch, you get the watch itself and a USB-C or magnetic charging cable, but not the power adapter that plugs into the wall. You have to buy the adapter separately, or use one you already own.

The exception is the Apple Watch Ultra, which includes both the charging cable and a USB-C power adapter in the box. For all other models — Series 9, Series 8, SE, and Ultra 2 — you need to provide your own wall adapter.

This matters because the charging cable alone cannot deliver power to your watch. The cable has to connect to something that plugs into an outlet. If you don't have a compatible adapter at home, you'll need to buy one before you can charge your watch for the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Watch models other than the Ultra ship with a charging cable but no wall power adapter.
  • The Ultra model is the only one that includes both the cable and the adapter in the box.
  • Any USB-C power adapter rated for at least 5W will charge a standard Apple Watch, so you may already own one that works.
  • The magnetic charging cable is specific to Apple Watch and cannot be used with other devices.

Which adapters work with which watches

Apple Watch Series 9, Series 8, and SE all use the same magnetic charging cable and accept any USB-C power adapter. A 5W adapter is the minimum; most phone chargers are 20W or higher and work fine. If you have a recent iPhone charger, iPad charger, or any other USB-C wall adapter in your home, it will charge your watch.

The Apple Watch Ultra uses a different magnetic charging cable designed specifically for that model. It also comes with a USB-C adapter in the box, so you don't need to buy one separately. The Ultra's cable is not compatible with other Apple Watch models.

Older Apple Watch models (Series 7 and earlier) used a different magnetic charging system entirely and require their own chargers. If you're upgrading from an older watch, the old charger will not work with your new one.

Why Apple removed the charger from the box

Apple's stated reason was to reduce waste and packaging size. The company argued that most people already own USB-C power adapters because they use iPhones, iPads, or other devices. By removing the adapter, Apple reduced the weight and materials in each box.

This decision is controversial. Some customers feel they should not have to buy an adapter separately, especially at the Apple Watch's price point. Others appreciate the smaller packaging and the fact that they genuinely did not need another adapter. Your own experience depends on what devices you already own.

What to buy if you don't have an adapter

You have three options: buy Apple's official USB-C power adapter, buy a third-party USB-C adapter, or use an adapter you already own if it has USB-C.

Apple's official 5W USB-C power adapter costs around $19 to $20. It is designed specifically for Apple products and comes with a one-year warranty. You can buy it from Apple's website, an Apple Store, or most electronics retailers.

Third-party USB-C adapters from brands like Anker, Belkin, or Amazon Basics typically cost $10 to $15 and work just as well for charging your watch. They are not made by Apple, but they meet the same safety standards. The main difference is that Apple's adapter comes with Apple's warranty and support.

If you already own a USB-C power adapter — from an iPhone, iPad, laptop, or any other device — test it with your watch before buying anything new. Plug the charging cable into the adapter and see if the watch charges. If it does, you don't need to buy anything.

How to charge your Apple Watch without a wall outlet

You can charge your Apple Watch using a USB-C power bank instead of a wall outlet. This is useful if you're traveling, camping, or away from home for an extended period. Any power bank with a USB-C output port will work, as long as it delivers at least 5W of power.

You can also charge your watch using a computer with a USB-C port. Plug the charging cable into the USB-C port on your Mac, Windows PC, or laptop, and the watch will charge at the same speed as it would from a wall adapter. This is slower than using a dedicated power adapter, but it works in a pinch.

The difference between the cable and the adapter

The charging cable is the cord with the magnetic connector that attaches to your watch. It is included in every Apple Watch box. The cable itself does not plug into the wall; it only connects the watch to a power source.

The power adapter is the small brick that plugs into a wall outlet. It converts the electrical current from your wall into the right voltage and current for your watch. Without this adapter, the cable has nowhere to get power.

Think of it like a phone charger: the cable is the cord, and the adapter is the part that goes in the wall. Apple includes the cable but not the wall part, so you have to provide that yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my Apple Watch with my iPhone charger?

Yes, if your iPhone charger has a USB-C port. Most iPhone 15 chargers and newer use USB-C. Older iPhones used Lightning connectors, which will not work with Apple Watch. Check the port on your charger — if it looks like a small oval with rounded sides, it is USB-C and will work.

What happens if I use the wrong charger?

If the charger is USB-C and rated for at least 5W, nothing bad happens — your watch will charge normally. If you use a charger with the wrong connector type (like Lightning), it straightforward will not fit. Do not force it. Using a charger with extremely high wattage (over 100W) is safe but unnecessary.

Is the Apple Watch charger the same as the iPhone charger?

The cable is different — Apple Watch uses a magnetic connector, while iPhones use USB-C or Lightning. But the power adapter is the same. Any USB-C power adapter that works with an iPhone will also work with an Apple Watch.

Can I buy just the cable without the adapter?

Yes. Apple sells replacement charging cables for around $25 to $30 on its website and in Apple Stores. You would only need to buy this if your cable breaks or gets lost, since one comes with your watch.

Does the Apple Watch Ultra charger work with other Apple Watches?

No. The Ultra uses a different magnetic connector than other Apple Watch models. The Ultra's cable will not attach to a Series 9, Series 8, or SE. If you own multiple Apple Watches, each one needs its own charging cable.