If you want to charge your iPhone, you now have several options. You can get started with a MagSafe charger, connect a power bank or put a dock on your desk. But the most basic way to charge your iPhone every day is with a power adapter and cable. You can read what you need for this in this article.
- Apple power adapters
- Cables from Apple
- Other brands
Power adapters for iPhone: these are your options
Now that Apple no longer supplies a power adapter (plug) with the iPhones, you will have to provide a plug yourself. That’s not a problem, because there is plenty of choice and you can still use the 5 Watt adapters that you used to get with the iPhone and of which you probably still have a few lying around. Charging is a bit slower, but if you always charge your iPhone at night, speed isn’t an issue.
Slow charging with USB-A
If you choose a plug with a USB-A connection, charging will be relatively slow. Here’s what Apple sells:
- Apple 5W USB Power Adapter: 25 euros
- 12W USB power adapter: 25 euros
You must be crazy if you still pay 25 euros for the 5 Watt charger, because you can purchase a much newer and faster charger from Apple for the same money.
Charge faster with USB-C
If you want to fast charge your iPhone, you need a heavier power adapter. This almost always works with USB-C, so that means you also need a different type of cable (namely USB-C-to-Lightning):
- 20W USB-C Power Adapter: 25 euros
- 30W USB-C Power Adapter: 45 euros
- 35 W power adapter with two USB-C ports: 65 euros
As we mentioned, you can buy a much better adapter for 25 euros than the 5 Watt one. We therefore recommend choosing the 20 Watt adapter if you are ready for a new charger. If you want to charge two devices at the same time, you can purchase the double 35 Watt charger, which is relatively new. However, keep in mind that the 35 Watts of power must be shared between the two ports, so you get a maximum of 17.5 Watts per connection.
In addition, you could use any USB-C charger from your MacBook, regardless of the wattage. The iPhone is protected against overcharging and overheating. You could of course also opt for third-party adapters, but with cheap ones the components are often of lower quality. Look for the Made for iPhone logo or limit yourself to reputable brands if you want a little more certainty.
iPhone cables: these are the options
All contemporary iPhones have a Lighting connection, while the iPad also regularly has a USB-C connection. This determines which type of cable you should have.
Usb-a-to-lightning cable
The simplest charging cable is one with a USB-A connector on one side and a Lightning connector on the other. This fits into the 5W and 12W adapters we discussed above. Apple’s official cables come in three lengths:
- Lightning to USB cable (0.5 m): 25 euros
- Lightning to USB cable (1 m): 25 euros
- Lightning to USB cable (2 m): 35 euros
Most people will choose the 1 or 2 meter cable, but if you want to cover a short distance on a bedside table or similar, the shorter cable might still come in handy. You can often find a much better price elsewhere.
USB-C to Lightning cable
If you want to fast charge your iPhone via a USB-C adapter, you will also need a matching cable. This is available in two lengths:
- USB-C to Lightning cable (1 m): 25 euros
- USB‑C to Lightning Cable (2 m): 35 euros
30-pin charging cables
Yes, Apple still sells them! If you have an older iPhone, it may be necessary to get a cable with a 30-pin connector. This is a relatively expensive cable, mainly intended for people who have lost their old cable. This concerns the iPhone 3G/3GS, iPhone 4 series and the iPad 1 to 3. Unfortunately, deals are not often found at other stores.
- Apple 30-pin to USB cable: 25 euros
One charger for everything?
In 2024, the European Union will make the universal charger for smartphones and other devices mandatory, opting for USB-C. It means that you will eventually need other cables. However, the Lightning cable will remain in use for a long time, especially since many iPhones with a Lightning connection will certainly remain in use until 2030.
If you don’t want to be stuck with a certain connection, you better opt for wireless charging of your iPhone, for example with Apple’s own solution MagSafe. You also need a USB-C power adapter for that charger, which is not included.
Other brands of iPhone cables and adapters
In addition to Apple accessories, there are also various other suppliers of cables. Do you want to know which brands are relatively good?
The Apple Store sells cables from:
- Belkin
- Mophie
- Native Union
Coolblue sells cables from:
- Belkin
- Bluebuilt (own brand)
- Nomad
Amac sells cables from:
- Belkin
- Decoded
- Native Union
- Nomad
- Satechi
- Xtorm
In addition, for cheap cables and adapters (which are still reliable) you can go to:
- Apple cover
- Smartphone cases
- SBSupply
