AppleInsider Staff
Apple has turned its penchant for slimness to the famously brick-like U.K. power plug, replacing its old fixed-pins model with an all-new version featuring folding pins and a more rounded design.
The new adapter, which ships in the box with the Apple Watch, has a slightly larger plastic casing but a much smaller overall profile when closed. Its three pins are mechanically connected together, all folding up or down at the same time.
British rugby legend Will Carling originally tipped the redesign last week, though its wider rollout was unconfirmed until Friday.
Consumers in the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia can also purchase the adapter separately. It will work with any of Apple's iOS devices, iPods, or the Apple Watch, though it does command a significant premium over its non-articulated predecessor.
The previous fixed-pins model came with a £15 ($23) price tag in Apple's British stores, for instance, while the new version comes in at a hefty £25. For now, both models remain available for purchase.
Amber Neely
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Marko Zivkovic
Wesley Hilliard
30 Comments
Nice!
Oh my those plugs ... what memories. If there is one thing I miss after 25 years living in the USA is getting a regular 240 volt shock ... LOL . As one of those guys that wired everything myself (but not always very well) I cannot count the number of times I got 'a belt' as my dad called it. That heart thumping feeling as you fly across the room swearing profusely. You just can't get the same rush from wimpy 110 volts here.
Apple engineering at its best. After playing with the one that came with my Apple Watch, I'll be buying an extra couple for travelling.
Note that the plugs are perfectly spring-loaded as well, requiring very little effort to fold either way. It's a lovely piece of kit that will work much better in a bag than the usual claw.
Also, looks like the Apple Watch Sport Edition comes with the 1m magnetic charging cable, while the Apple Watch (Steel) comes with the 2m cable. Can we confirm this?
Edit: I take it back. Looks like they are both 2m.