In 2020, with the launch of the iPhone 12 lineup, Apple stopped including chargers with its iPhones. Apple stated that the move was for the benefit of the environment in response to an outcry from users. But did the franchise also start to exclude chargers from its Apple Watches — and the Apple Watch Series 7 in particular?
The Apple Watch Series 7 does not come with a charger. You’ll need to purchase one separately. Inside the box are: the watch itself, a USB-C cable, and the band you selected — that’s it. Apple has stated that by removing the charger, the box is smaller and the packaging process more efficient.
Many fans and users feel that Apple products are already relatively expensive and that the least the company could do is include chargers in its devices. But Apple has made its case as well. Let’s take a closer look at the situation and everything you need to know.
What You Need to Know About Charging the Apple Watch Series 7
To begin, let’s go over how to charge your Apple Watch Series 7 (on Amazon). Note that you can use the charger for your older model watch to charge the Series 7, but it will function much slower (more on that later in the article). You’ll also have to purchase the adapter separately.
If you don’t already have a USB-C adapter to fast charge your Series 7, consider purchasing any of these:
- TECKNET USB C Charger 65W (on Amazon)
- UGREEN 20W USB C Fast Charger (on Amazon)
- JSAUX 20W USB-C Power Adapter (on Amazon)
When charging the watch, you can place it on its side or in a flat position with the band open. Then proceed as follows:
- Connect one end of your cable to its adapter and connect the adapter to a power outlet.
- Place the cable at the back of your Apple Watch. The concave back will snap to the watch and align itself properly.
The watch will play a chime when charging unless it’s in silent mode. It will also display a charging symbol on its face.
The symbol is red when your watch needs charging and green when it’s done charging. It’s yellow when the watch is in low-power mode.
Does the Apple Watch Series 7 Come With a Charger?
The Apple Watch Series 7 does not come with a charger, and Apple has provided some reasoning for this choice. Back in 2020, the multinational technology company discontinued in-the-box chargers for its iPhones and Apple Watches, beginning with the iPhone 12.
Apple explained in its environmental progress report that power adapters use huge amounts of zinc, copper, and plastic materials.
So, by excluding the chargers, the company conserved 8.61 lakh tons of these materials, which is a progressive step towards saving the planet.
Moreover, the box size of iPhones and Apple Watches is smaller, and the packing process is more efficient. Apple’s stated goal is to eliminate emissions from processing and transporting these toxic materials.
The first step was to eliminate chargers. We don’t know what’s next.
Is the Series 7 Watch Capable of Fast Charging?
The Apple Watch Series 7 is well known for its fast-charging capabilities. The company says that you can charge it from 0 to 80% in just 45 minutes. For comparison, this is 33% faster than the previous Apple Watch Series 6.
However, you’ll need a fast-charging adapter to fast-charge your Series 7. It won’t fast charge with your regular power adapter. To fast charge your Series 7, you’ll need the following:
- Apple Watch USB-C fast charging cable or
- USB-C power adapter supporting power delivery with 5W minimum or
- A USB-C power adapter with 18W minimum.
The charging cable for the Series 7 is different from the previous models. It has a USB-C connector at one end, meaning you can’t charge it using a USB-A adapter. Also, you can’t fast charge it using an older charging cable.
No third-party charger can charge the Series 7 at full speed. You can, however, use the adapter for your iPhone 12 and later models to fast charge your Series 7.
Note: Apple stated that fast charging is not available in Vietnam, India, and Argentina and didn’t offer a reason for this.
Is the Series 7 Watch Worth It?
It would be unfair to discredit the Series 7 simply because it doesn’t come with a charger. The device makes up for this with its incredibly fast-charging capabilities. Besides, most (if not all) new Apple iPhones and watches are affected by the lack-of-charger situation.
The display of the Series 7 is almost similar to that of the Series 6 but with a slightly bigger size. The bezels are also thinner, and the texts look sharper and bigger. But all these are minute differences.
A bigger difference between the two is that the Series 7 has a Qwerty keyboard. You can use it to respond to messages and emails. It’s easy to use and breathes life back into texting using the watch.
Aside from the keyboard and fast charging, everything else is pretty much the same as the Series 6. No major additions or subtractions. But the watch works flawlessly, and you can also take calls with the cellular version.
So, if you’re thinking about purchasing the Apple Watch Series 7 (on Amazon), go for it. It’s worth your money.