About Apple USB power adapters (2024)

This overview will help you identify a USB power adapter from Apple. Apple USB power adapters and cables are included with many products and are available separately from Apple and authorized Apple resellers.

Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all our products—including USB power adapters—undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world.

As part of our efforts to reachour environmental goals, iPhone models no longer include a power adapter in the box. iPhone continues to work with existing power adapters and USB-A to Lightning cables, such as those included in prior models. iPhone models now include in the box a newerUSB‑C to Lightning cablethatsupports fast charging and is compatible with USB‑C power adapters and computer ports that you might already have.You can use either a USB-A to Lightning cable or the newer USB-C to Lightning cable with your iPhone.

You can use any of the adapters listed below to charge your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or iPod. You can also use a Mac USB-C Power Adapter or third-party adapters that comply withapplicable safety standards.For more information about charging your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch,or iPod, refer to the Safety, Handling, and Support section of theiPhone User Guide,iPad User Guide, Apple Watch User Guide, oriPod User Guide.

5W USB power adapter

10W USB power adapter

These devicescome with a 10W power adapter in the box:

iPad Air 2
iPad Air
iPad mini 4
iPad mini 3
iPad mini 2
iPad 2

12W USB power adapter

These devicescome with a 12W power adapter in the box:

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2ndgeneration)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1stgeneration)
iPad Pro (10.5-inch)
iPad Pro (9.7-inch)*
iPad Air (3rd generation)*
iPad mini (5th generation)*
iPad (7th generation)*
iPad (6thgeneration)*
iPad (5th generation)*

* In some countries and regions, this model ships with the 10W power adapter.

18W USB-C power adapter

These devicescome with an 18W power adapter in the box:

iPad Pro 12.9 inch (4th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch

TheApple 18W USB-C power adapter can fast charge your iPhone 8 or later.

20W USB-C power adapter

These devicescome with a 20W power adapter in the box:

iPad mini (6th generation)
iPad (9th generation)
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
iPad (8th generation)
iPad Air (4th generation)

Learn about USB power adapter certifications

When an iOS or iPadOS device comes with an Apple USB power adapter, that adapter is certified to meet government safety standards in countries and regions where the device is available. Many of these countries and regions, including the United States, have adopted the Safety of Information Technology Equipment standard, IEC/UL 60950-1.

Apple USB power adapters are designed for use with power sources rated to provide 100V AC to 240V AC at 50Hz to 60Hz. The Type A (flat parallel-blade design) Apple 5W USB,18W,and 20W USB-C power adapters, as well as the 10W and 12W USB power adapters (with Type A AC plug attached) also comply with the IEC/UL 60950-1 and IEC/UL 62368-1 standards for use with power sources rated to provide 115V AC at 400Hz.

Learn more about USB power adapters

These power adapters are also available separately from Apple and authorized Apple resellers.

Published Date:October 10, 2022

FAQs

How do I use my Apple USB power adapter? ›

You can use the Apple 12W USB Power Adapter to charge your iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch, and other Apple accessories, like AirPods and Siri Remote. Just connect your device to the power adapter with the USB to Lightning cable, or Apple Watch charger that came with your device.

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What does the Apple power adapter do? ›

If you have a Mac laptop, plugging in the power adapter provides power to the computer and recharges the computer's battery. For optimal performance, use the power adapter that came with your Mac laptop—either a MagSafe or USB-C—or a compatible replacement adapter.

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Is the Apple USB-C adapter worth it? ›

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality adapter for their Apple devices. Verdict: If you're looking for a fast and dependable charger for your Apple devices, the Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter is an excellent choice. It's a must-have accessory for anyone who values efficient and safe charging.

Why is my Apple power adapter not working? ›

Make sure the USB-C port on the power adapter and the USB-C connector are clear of any debris. Restart your Mac. Connect the USB-C power adapter to the wall outlet, connect the USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable to the power adapter and to your Mac, then try charging again.

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How do I know if my Apple power adapter is working? ›

Unplug your power adapter from the power point, then plug in a device that you know works, such as a lamp, to confirm that the power point works. Check for line noise: Unplug the power adapter from the wall, wait 60 seconds, then plug the adapter back in.

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What is the difference between a charger and an adapter? ›

In a nutshell, an adapter takes one voltage and converts it to another (often lower) voltage (often changing it from AC to DC in the process). A charger takes a given voltage and uses it to charge a battery.

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Is it okay to use a non Apple USB-C adapter? ›

Although you can use any USB-C power adapter with your Mac laptop, you should use a USB-C power adapter with equal or greater wattage (W) than the power adapter that came with your Mac.

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Why does Apple refuse to use USB-C? ›

The move has been resisted by Apple in the past, citing environmental concerns and potential government influence on product design. However, the company is now expected to make the switch, which may result in a loss of licensing revenue and compatibility with Android devices.

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Is it worth getting a 20W charger? ›

Using a 20W charger provides an extra 20% of power to the battery (17% with an 18W charger). However, 30% won't reassure most people, so taking a power bank is the only option.

What is the lifespan of the Apple power adapter? ›

On average, an iPhone charger lasts one year in perfect working condition. On average, Lightning cables can withstand approximately 12,000 insertion cycles. After about a year, the portion of the cable near the connector begins to wear out.

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Why did Apple remove power adapter? ›

Removing the charger and EarPods from the iPhone box allowed 70% more devices to fit on a pallet. More boxes on a pallet would allow Apple to ship more phones to users at one time. As a result, using smaller boxes would allow Apple to reduce yearly carbon emissions by 2 million metric tons, the company said.

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What causes a power adapter to stop working? ›

AC adapter issues can occur due to a faulty AC adapter, faulty power cable, damage to the power or AC adapter cable, faulty DC-in connector on the laptop, and so on.

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How do I use my Apple MagSafe power adapter? ›

Connect MagSafe Charger to power using the Apple 20W USB-C power adapter or another compatible power adapter (sold separately). Do one of the following: iPhone: (supported models) Place MagSafe Charger on the back of iPhone or its MagSafe case or sleeve. The charging symbol appears when iPhone starts charging.

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How does Apple USB-C to USB Adapter work? ›

The USB-C to USB Adapter connects a Mac that has a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) or USB-C port to a device that uses a USB-A cable. To connect an iPhone or iPad with USB-C connector to the USB-A port on a Mac, use a third-party cable such as the Belkin BOOST↑Charge Pro Flex USB-A to USB-C Cable.

How does a USB power adapter work? ›

A USB power adapter is a device that connects directly to an AC outlet power source and generates a standard 5V volt used in charging. The amperage generated by the device varies between 0.7A and 2.4A.