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.
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.
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.
Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon.
In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
In his Powe...
Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models.
"All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two 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...
Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
"Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today.
"I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching.
In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
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?
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.
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.