An AppleInsider report says Apple has informed Apple Watch accessory makers that they will need to use its fast-charging module.
Apple’s MFi program requires Apple Watch charging accessory makers to acquire their official charging modules from Apple itself. This is why all Apple Watch Chargers use the same widely-recognized white charging puck.
Apple first debuted Apple Watch fast charging alongside the Apple Watch Series 7 in 2021, enabling devices to charge rapidly from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes. Apple is no longer going to offer supplies of its older charging module, two years after introducing the fast-charging module.
While Apple initially had shortages of the new charging module, which forced some accessory makers to stick with the older and slower charging technology, Apple is now focusing only on the production of the fast-charging modules and will no longer offer the slower modules.
While accessory makers can continue to submit designs for accessories that use the original, slower Apple Watch charger module (C162) until August 31, 2023. The \will no longer be available via Apple’s MFi program as of September 30, 2023. Only the fast-charging module (C962) will be available from then on. Apple reportedly charges suppliers more for the Fast Charge module, so we will likely see retail price hikes for the accessories.