Apple has released a new version of its Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to support faster charging on the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The updated charging puck costs $29 in the United States and is available with a 1-meter USB-C cable.

The accessory is more than a replacement cable. The new charger, identified as model A3277, can deliver up to 10W of power, twice the 5W limit of the previous version. However, owners need both a compatible new watch and the updated puck to receive the charging improvement.

Which Apple Watch models support faster charging?

Apple’s latest watches include hardware changes that allow them to charge more quickly. With the new charger, Apple says a 15-minute charge provides up to 12 hours of battery life on the Apple Watch Series 12 and up to 18 hours on the Apple Watch Ultra 4.

  • Apple Watch Series 12: Up to 12 hours of battery life after 15 minutes.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 4: Up to 18 hours of battery life after 15 minutes.
  • Apple Watch Series 11: Up to 8 hours of battery life after 15 minutes.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 3: Up to 12 hours of battery life after 15 minutes.

The previous-generation Series 11 and Ultra 3 do not charge faster when paired with the new puck. Their charging performance remains unchanged because the newer speeds depend on hardware inside the Series 12 and Ultra 4.

Why the old charger will not deliver the same speeds

The earlier Apple Watch charger is limited to 5W, while the new model supports output of up to 10W. As a result, using the older puck with a Series 12 or Ultra 4 will not provide the maximum charging performance advertised for those watches.

Apple also says the power adapter connected to the charging cable must support USB-C Power Delivery at 10W or more. A lower-rated adapter may prevent the watch from reaching its fastest charging speeds, even when the new charging puck is being used.

Price and availability

Apple lists the new 1-meter Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable for $29 in the United States. It is intended for owners who want an extra charger for travel, a charging stand or another location.

The new accessory is included with the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, so buyers of those watches already receive the required puck in the box. The separate purchase is mainly relevant to customers who need additional charging setups or replacements.