Apple Watch Edition, Hermes models come with 5W power adapter

Apple may have nixed the 5-watt power adapter from a wide swath of Apple Watch Series 6 models, but customers can still get the accessory with the wearable's most expensive configurations.

When it announced that Apple Watch Series 6 devices would lack a USB power adapter in the box, Apple framed the move as being part of continued efforts to offset the impact its popular devices have on the environment. It appears that there are exceptions to that rule, however.

As noted on Apple's website, titanium Apple Watch Edition configurations and Apple Watch Hermes still rate the small plastic puck.

Apple fails to offer an explanation for the adapter's inclusion with its highest-end wearables. While not explicitly stated, the selective application of the new adapter policy suggests parts cost, and not simply environmental concerns, was also a consideration in the decision making process.

This year's Apple Watch lineup is anchored by the Apple Watch SE, a more affordable version of the device designed to deliver advanced health tracking functionality to a wider audience. That model starts at $279 for a 40mm variant.

The new Series 6 flagship adds to last year's technology — ECG, always-on display — with a new blood oxygen sensor, faster S6 chipset, U1 Ultra Wideband support, brighter always-on display, improved battery life and a variety of new finishes. Series 6 models start at $399 and work their way up to $799, depending on included bands.

Apple Watch Edition versions start at $799, while the Hermes collaborations are priced from $1,249.

Apple is expected to extend its new adapter philosophy to "iPhone 12" later this fall.

9 Comments

peterhart 162 comments · 8 Years

About 4 years ago

I tried to find any verbiage about whether the charging puck included is usb-c or the old -a. Anybody else find anything? I see you can now buy a usb-c one in 1 meter and 0.3 meter lengths on Apple’s store.

twokatmew 48 comments · 5 Years

peterhart said:

I tried to find any verbiage about whether the charging puck included is usb-c or the old -a. Anybody else find anything? I see you can now buy a usb-c one in 1 meter and 0.3 meter lengths on Apple’s store.

My guess is it’s still USB-A. The 5w adapter is USB-A, and I don’t see Apple shipping a USB-C charger when the watch doesn’t charge any faster with the 18w USB-C adapter. Hope I’m wrong! ☺️

twokatmew said:

My guess is it’s still USB-A. The 5w adapter is USB-A, and I don’t see Apple shipping a USB-C charger when the watch doesn’t charge any faster with the 18w USB-C adapter. Hope I’m wrong! ☺️

Ahh...didn’t remember that the actual charging speed of the Watch is unchanged. Shame...

randominternetperson 3095 comments · 8 Years

As noted on Apple's website, titanium Apple Watch Edition configurations and Apple Watch Hermes still rate the small plastic puck.

That’s confusing phrasing. Surely all the watches still come with the “puck.” They just omit the cube that plugs into the wall.

bageljoey 1997 comments · 18 Years

“ Apple fails to offer an explanation for the adapter's inclusion with its highest-end wearables. While not explicitly stated, the selective application of the new adapter policy suggests parts cost, and not simply environmental concerns, was also a consideration in the decision making process. ”

I don’t exactly agree. I suspect it’s more that they don’t want to hear: “I paid over $1,000 for this watch and you couldn’t include a freaking adapter???”
Apple might want to do the environment good but they absolutely don’t want to lose any high-end bleeding edge customers over a $5 adapter either!