Apple Shipping New Apple Watches Without Power Adapter, but iPad Air Includes 20W USB-C Charger

Apple today announced the new Apple Watch Series 6 and the Apple Watch SE, and in an effort to cut down on packaging, Apple plans to ship some of the new Apple Watch models without power adapters for the first time.

applewatchpoweradapter
The new Apple Watches continue to ship with a 1m Magnetic Charging Cable, but the 5W power adapter that used to come with a watch is not included in the box for Apple Watch SE and aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watch Series 6 models. Higher-end titanium and Hermès models do, however, continue to include a power adapter.

Rumors have suggested that Apple also plans to eliminate the power adapter from iPhone models as well to save money because of the expense of 5G, and the removal of the power adapter from the Apple Watch box seemingly confirms these plans.

The new iPad Air that was announced today will continue to ship with a power adapter, however. It includes a new 20W USB-C power adapter that works with the new USB-C port that replaces the Lightning port.

ipadairpoweradapter
The eighth-generation low-cost iPad also comes with the same 20W power adapter along with a USB-C to Lightning cable for charging purposes.

The new Apple Watch models and the eighth-generation ‌iPad‌ can be purchased from Apple starting today, while the ‌iPad Air‌ will be available in October.

Update: This article was updated to note that titanium and Hermès Apple Watch Series 6 models continue to include a power adapter in the box.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

hlfway2anywhere Avatar
71 months ago

I was ready to buy, and I think they’ve actually convinced me not to...
You were ready to drop over $400 and changed your mind because a 5W power adapter that you probably already have, and if you don't, can buy for $5, isn't included? Or for some other, more rational reason?
Score: 64 Votes (Like | Disagree)
richpjr Avatar
71 months ago
Cutting down on packaging really means new and innovative ways to increase profits.
Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JPack Avatar
71 months ago
Oh yeah. Packaging. That's the issue.

Don't mind the iPhone cases and Watch bands in a million colors selling for $39.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fokmik Avatar
71 months ago

Well this basically confirms the iPhones from here on out will not come with a power adapter.

I wonder what's next, buying cars without wheels?
Whats next? android world to do the same
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mattster16 Avatar
71 months ago
I'm ok with this. Power adapters are so ubiquitous at this point. It's essentially becoming instant environmental waste. Buying a new phone and switching to the new power adapter even though the old one is still perfectly functional, etc.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jincheker Avatar
71 months ago
I like the creative reason they gave for not including a power adapter. I agree, and I decided to not buy the watch so that they can produce less for even better environment.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)