Apple has recently issued a warning to Apple Watch owners not to use fake or counterfeit chargers, as they may damage the device or cause safety issues. The warning comes after some users reported a charging bug with their Apple Watch after updating to watchOS 8.3, which prevented their watches from charging properly on third-party chargers.
According to Apple, the charging bug is not related to the software update, but rather to the quality and compatibility of the chargers. Apple advises users to only use the original Apple Magnetic Charging Cable or the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock that came with their Apple Watch, or to purchase them from authorized Apple resellers.
Apple also provides a guide on how to spot a fake Apple Watch charger, which may have a different design, a loose fit, a missing or incorrect logo, or a lack of certification marks. Some fake chargers may also fail to make a beep or display a lightning bolt symbol when charging starts, or may overheat or spark when plugged in.
Using a fake charger may void the warranty of the Apple Watch, and may also pose a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury. Apple urges users to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider if they suspect that their charger is fake or defective.
The warning comes as Apple Watch owners are reporting a charging bug with their watches after updating to watchOS 8.3, which was released on December 13, 2021. The update focused on improving overall performance and bug fixing, but it seems to have introduced a new problem for some users.
Users are now reporting that the Apple Watch no longer charges properly when connected to a third-party charger. Many users have noticed that the Apple Watch will charge 2% before ceasing to charge entirely. Others have reported experiencing battery drain while their Apple Watch is on the charger.
Initially, many users suspected that it was an issue isolated to the Apple Watch Series 7, but that no longer seems to be the case as older models appear to be affected as well. Some users have also tried resetting their watches and unpairing and repairing them with their iPhones, but with no luck.
Many of the complaints are about affordable, third-party chargers that come from Amazon, with fewer reports about other brands. Some users have suggested that the issue may be related to the power output or the magnetic strength of the chargers, which may not match the specifications of the official Apple chargers.
Apple has not publicly addressed this problem, and there are currently no known solutions. Apple Watch owners are encouraged to use their Apple-issued charger if possible, or to check the compatibility and quality of their third-party chargers before using them.
Apple Watch is one of the most popular wearable devices in the world, with millions of users relying on it for fitness tracking, health monitoring, notifications, and more. However, the device also requires regular charging, which can be inconvenient or frustrating if the charger does not work properly.