Will Apple Watch series 4 use the same charger as previous Apple watches?

Hi, again, different post. Related to my charging issues, I'm trying to find an original charger for Series 1/2 because the Belkin charger has a much shallower recess in it to the official charger that shipped with my series 4 watch.

Comparing the Series 4 44mm with a series 1, series 0 and series 2 (albeit 38mm models) the "D" on the back of my Series 4 is definitely larger, not in diameter, but in terms of bulge it definitely protrudes more from the flat surface of the case than the others.

The others on my belkin fit snugly, but the series 4 can rock about.

The difference appears to be about 0.8mm

I have a picture showing the difference the non-official charger and how snug an older watch is compared to the new series 4

@Designer007 might be interested

Picture below is a Series 1 and a Series 4 on the same charger, the top is the series 1 and is more "snug" and the bottom is the Series 4, and you can see the gap either side as it appears to be more "D" shaped, I couldn't get identical zoom levels in a hurry, sorry.

BUT; the official original Apple charger cable bought years back (metal casing around it) appears to be identical (in shape and fit) to the one supplied with the Series 4, both are more recessed than the 3rd party charger

Definitely note the zoom levels, the series 1 zoomed out a bit more gives the impression that the charge diameter of the series 4 is larger and the same area sits inside the charger, but actually the series 4 does appear to be more D shaped. I don't have the tools to precisely measure the difference but it looks to be around 0.8mm

See example Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable (1 m) - Apple and scroll down until you can see and expand Compatibility. All series 1-4 are listed as compatible.

The AC power block with USB output port is absolutely common to all devices, limited only by its maximum rated capacity. A high rating 10 or 12 Watt adapter will still charge small devices like Apple Watch, but the lower rated 5W adaptor supplied with the watch will struggle to charge a hungry device like iPad.

That doesn’t answer my question. Compatibility isn’t the issue. I was asking to confirm that the Series 4 charger has different CAD geometry than the Older chargers. I know it is different but wanted a confirmation.

The Apple store online does not seem to show any charging accessories specific for Series 4. I think you are wrong, but if you think there are non trivial differences (not manufacturing tolerances) I suggest you get your instruments and start gathering the evidence the hard way, because Apple doesn’t publish the design and manufacturing drawings.

I was able to find technical plans ’s for the 40mm Apple Watch published by Apple Insider that they say were published in Apple’s Developer Resources.

“ Apple publishes Apple Watch band design guidelines for accessory makers. “

I have not found plans for the 40 or 44mm watches yet.

I also am curious about the compatibility of my Series 2 Watch chargers if I should choose to upgrade. This is the first information I have heard that there is any difference in the charging surfaces.

The charger interface for all Apple Watches is identical from the original Apple Watch through to the latest Series 4. The part number and SKU have never changed, your Apple charging accessories will be 100% compatible. If you have a third party device like a charging stand you should check with the third party manufacturer, just in case the small change is case dimension (about 1.5mm) is significant.

I have a 2 and a 4. I have been using the series 4 for over a week and have only used my series 2 charger on a 3rd party stand in nightstand mode. The 4 charger is still in the box. To the naked eye (mine anyway) the profile of each back seems the same. Finally the compatibility list for the apple branded accessory lists series 1-4 as all using the same magnetic charging cable. I think that pretty much covers it.

Take a close look. The charging surface of the Series 4 charger is slightly more concave than the previous versions. I noticed that my watch was sort of sliding down on my 3rd gen charger and decided to look at the 4. It is different.

This is interesting. If there is a difference in curvature which you cans see by eye you almost certainly have a manufacturing and QA failure, because the same part number is used for all series of watch. Contact Apple Support And arrange a replacement.

I have an aftermarket wireless charger for X includes , watch charger.

Been worker fine with Watch 2.

Just upgraded to Watch 4 and same dock won’t charge the new 4.

Altough Apple supplied Watch 2 white charger does charge new 4.

The chargers may work the same, but they are NOT the [exact] same chargers.

I think the question really gets at do you keep the old – but longer – charger, or do you keep the new one.

I have a Series 1 and a Series 4 Watch. I also have 3x chargers (in different lengths). All are genuine Apple products bought in-store. 2 of them came with the watches. I bought a short 0.3 M for travel, but it has a metal base, and was purchased around the same time the Series 3 launched.

The Series 1 charger is ± 7.91 mm while the Series 4 charger is ± 8.14 mm.

Personally, will the Watches charge on all 3? Yes. However, when selling my Series 1 to a friend, I gave him the Series 1 charger, even though the one that ships with the Series 4 / newer Watches is shorter.

For those reporting that their old charger does, or does not work with the Series 4, it would be helpful to note if you have the 40mm or 44mm watch.

Without stating that what size they have, I’ve seen many posts on other sites that state their Series 4s use to charge on aftermarket chargers until they applied an update. I think it was 5.1.1 that killed the aftermarket chargers.

I ended up here in hopes to learn what what I have to buy for my new 44mm Series 4. Looks like a trip to the Apple store is my only option at this point.

Well, since none of us here are Apple employees there’s no way for us to confirm anything. I am sitting here with both the original series 0 charger and a brand new series 4 charger in my grubby hands. I can personally confirm that the dimple on the series 4 charger seems to be ever so slightly deeper than the series 0 charger. I can also personally confirm that both chargers work on both my old series 0 watch and my new series 4 watch.

My charger from the original watch has a much longer cord. I was told where I bought the watch that they are all compatible. But I’ve been finding my watch doesn’t always charge. I put it down and it says it is, then go to bed. Wake up in the morning and it didn’t charge. Sometimes it does charge just fine. But most times it doesn’t. So I’ve replaced it with the new one and we’ll see if that helps.

I have tried to purchase a spare charging cord for my Series 4 Watch (44mm). I've gone through 2 generic (China) cords and neither works. They appear to at first, but turn off after a few minutes. I'm running latest firmware (5.1.3)

Looks like I'll need to purchase genuine Apple.