Apple Watch accessory makers have discovered a six-pin port hidden inside one of the slots for the watch straps, and they claim the port can be used to charge the smartwatch faster by five percent than Apple's own inductive charger.
Lane Musgrave and John Arrow, founders of Reserve Strap, have proof showing the six-pin port, believed to be used by Apple for diagnostic purposes, can also be used to connect the Apple Watch to a power supply to charge its battery.
In a video made by Reserve Strap, the Apple Watch connected to a conductive charger is seen charging next to another Apple Watch charging on Apple's standard inductive charger. The video shows the Apple Watch charging through the diagnostic port gains battery life faster than the one using the standard charger, reaching 95 percent battery life at the same point the other watch is only at 90 percent.
The difference between the two is not very significant. If anything, it only shows how much Apple has done a good job on its inductive charger, since inductive charging is less efficient.
Still, the discovery could pave the way for battery-carrying straps that can charge the Apple Watch after its owner has used up the day's allowance of battery life, which is useful for users who have to use their watch well into the night. As a matter of fact, Reserve Strap is already working on exactly that kind of strap that connects to the Apple Watch via the six-pin port and charges the watch while it is worn on the wrist.
The charging strap is still in development, but interested buyers may pre-order from the Reserve Strap website. They can choose between bands of 38 mm and 42 mm and colors of white, black and grey. Customers can expect to receive their Reserve Strap in the fall, according to the firm.
Here's a fair warning to everyone who might want to purchase the accessory, though. Apple has not certified the Reserve Strap as a Made for Apple Watch accessory, which means it is possible that buyers could void their Apple Care warranty if they decide to use a Reserve Strap.
Currently, Reserve Strap's method involves lifting the protective panel off the Apple Watch display to access the electrical leads underneath. The final product might do away with this process, but it will still have to involve removing the metal cover that protects the six-pin port.
Apple has yet to comment on the Reserve Strap's compatibility and, until then, it is best to hold off on such a charging strap, especially for users who don't need to wear their Apple Watch all day long.
Photo: LW Yang | Flickr
