I thought this universal Apple Watch cable was a gimmick, but now I won't travel without it
Date:
Fri, 08 May 2026 00:31:00 +0000
Description:
Nomad Good's Universal Cable for Apple Watch is a single cable that can do multiple things, and for that reason, it's now a staple in my travel gear, even if it looks weird.
FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Dear Nomad Goods. I'm sorry. I was wrong for making fun of and laughing at the Universal Cable for Apple Watch when you announced it early last year.
When I first saw pictures, I sent them to friends and even family members, laughing at the idea of an Apple Watch charging puck built into a USB-C charging cable. I mean, look at it. It just looks silly. You may like The
best iPhone chargers 2026 The Scapade AirPack is the techiest piece of travel gear I've ever owned I swapped my Apple Watch band for a dupe model here are my pros and cons Latest Videos From I still think it looks weird, but after using the Universal Cable for Apple Watch for a half dozen trips, I'm sold. Let me explain. I'd consider myself a frequent traveler, as if I'm not
hopping on a plane for a quick work trip, I'm driving a few hours away for a baseball tournament. One of the last things I pack for each overnight trek is a charging setup for everyone who's tagging along.
That usually means a wall adapter, typically with two ports, along with a USB-C cable for an iPhone and an Apple Watch Charger. I have a one-gallon plastic bag I use to store everything, so it's easy to access when it's time to hit the road. Multiply that default setup for five people, and I'm sure
you can imagine the giant pile of spaghetti living inside said bag. Simply, it's a mess.
Over the years, I've tried, tested, and even reviewed several travel
chargers, each one designed to streamline charging on the go. Solutions like the Mophie 3-in-1 Portable Travel Charger , which folded up nicely to fit in
a backpack, or Anker 's latest Prime Wireless Charging Station . Both do what they advertise, but they're bulky. In Anker's defense, that charging station isn't advertised as a traveling charger but its overall footprint and design beg to be taken on the road. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from
us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
A couple of months ago, Nomad sent me the Universal Cable for Apple Watch along with its 65W Slim Adapter to test. A few days later, I went on an overnight trip and took both gadgets with me.
My initial thoughts after unboxing the cable were that it definitely looks weird, and the end with the Apple Watch charging puck is heavier than I anticipated. The braided cable is the same as the rest of Nomad's cables, which means it's built to last. I have one of Nomad's 3-meter USB-C to USB-C cables that's been run over and chewed up by our robot vacuum more times than I can count, and it still has not a single mark on it. (Image credit: Future/Jason Cipriani) Depending on your setup, you can plug the end with the Apple Watch charger into your wall adapter, leaving the standard USB-C end to plug into whatever device you're charging, which makes sense if the charger
is placed horizontally on a table or desk. That arrangement allows you to charge your watch while also using and charging your phone, for example. What to read next Jackery Explorer 240D portable power station review The 'RePod' turns your 'forgotten' Apple Watch into an iPod 6 cheap accessories to make your Apple Watch more useful
However, hotel outlets are almost always inconveniently placed, so I've been using it the other way with the Apple Watch puck near my iPhone and it works perfectly for me. I don't usually place my Apple Watch Ultra 3 on the charger until I'm either getting ready in the morning or I'm going to bed, at which point my phone is sitting on the nightstand or desk anyway.
The cable can charge at up to 100W with the appropriate wall adapter, while the Apple Watch charger can fast charge compatible models. Those included the Apple Watch Ultra 1, 2, and 3, the Series 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, and the Apple Watch SE 3 .
Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that you can also place AirPods Pro 2 or newer on the Apple Watch charger to top off the charging case. Bonus! (Image credit: Future/Jason Cipriani) What I like most about the Universal Cable for Apple Watch is that it streamlines what I have to pack for myself. No longer do I need to have multiple cables, which inevitably get tangled and look like a spider's web when I take them out of my plastic baggy.
It's a single cable that can do multiple things, and for that reason, it's
now a staple in my travel gear, even if it looks weird.
Right now Nomad Goods has it in stock in the 1.5-meter length there are 0.5-meter and 3-meter sizes, but both are sold out for $85 / 69 / AU$129 ,
in your choice of carbide or white. Indeed, it's pricey for a charging cable, but it's not just a cable. You're paying for the additional feature of charging your Apple Watch, along with the durability that Nomad's cables offer. Cable - Cable Universal Cable for Apple Watch | 1.5m | Carbide $85 at NOMAD Goods
Available from Nomad for 69 or AU$129 . Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.
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