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Everything you need to know about how Apple Watch charging works (and what you’ll need to buy)

Published Mar 10th, 2015 4:08PM EDT
Apple Watch Battery Wireless Charging and Accessories
Image: Apple Inc.

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The main concern with the Apple Watch was, until Apple revealed more details about it, battery life. But from the looks of it, the device will be able to get you through a day of regular usage with no problem, as Apple has promised 18-hours of use on a single charge. But since usage isn’t the same for all future buyers, you should be prepared to carry one more charging cable with you, alongside the one you might already have for your smartphone.

DON’T MISS: 5 key ways the Apple Watch crushes Android rivals

The Apple Watch uses wireless charging and has its own special MagSafe charging cable that comes with it. The cable is very easy to use, and Apple suggests you’ll have no problem adjusting to it. The charger is “very forgiving, requiring no precise alignment,” the company says on the Apple Watch pages on its website. “You simply hold the connector near the back of the watch, where magnets cause it to snap into place automatically.”

Apple Watch buyers requiring more than one MagSafe charger will be able to purchase additional cables from Apple’s online store. The company has already listed two such accessories, including a $29 1m Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable, and a $39 2m Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable. The new accessories will be only available for purchase once the smartwatch starts shipping next month.

As for actual charging times, the Apple Watch needs 1.5 hours to reach an 80% charge, and 2.5 hours for a full 100% charge, according to Apple.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.