Apple switched the iPhone to USB-C with the iPhone 15 generation in 2023, largely in response to the European Union’s common-charger rules. You usually do not need a new wall adapter: if you already have a compatible USB-C adapter, you may only need a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. If your adapter has only USB-A, it can still work with the right cable, though a USB-C Power Delivery adapter is a straightforward upgrade.
Why did Apple change new iPhones to USB-C?
USB-C makes it possible to use the same type of charging connection across devices and brands. Apple introduced it on the iPhone 15 in 2023. Apple’s vice president of iPhone product marketing, Kaiann Drance, said, “USB-C has become a universally accepted standard so we’re bringing USB-C to iPhone 15,” as quoted by the Associated Press.
The EU was a major external reason for the timing. Its common-charger policy requires covered new mobile phones sold in the EU to support USB-C charging from 28 December 2024. The European Commission explains that the rules are intended to let consumers charge covered devices with a USB-C charger regardless of brand. The Council of the European Union approved the directive in October 2022 and said the requirement would take effect in 2024.
The Council reported in 2020 that EU consumers owned three chargers on average and regularly used two, and estimated that the common charger could affect approximately 420 million devices. Those are figures from the Council’s explanation of the policy, not a count of iPhones or a current device total.
#1 Best Overall
- 【20W PD 3.0 Fast Charger】20W PD 3.0 fast charger and 10ft USB-C to C cable, charge iPhone 18 17 16 15 to 50% in half an hour, which is 3× faster than with an original 5W charger
- 【Superior Safety】iPhone fast charger block equipped with a wide range of safety features, including temperature control, short circuit protection and current regulation to protect your connected devices and maximize the life of your device
- 【Widely Compatibility】USB-C charger block offers 20W fast charging for iPhone 18 Pro/18 Pro Max/Duo/17/17 Pro/17 Pro Max/Air, iPhone 16/16 Pro/16 Pro Max/16 Plus, iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Pro Max/15 Plus, 2022/2021/2020/2018 iPad Pro 12.9/11 inch 6th/5th/4th/3rd, iPad 10th Generation, iPad Air 5th/4th, iPad Mini 6
- 【10FT USB C Cable】With the intelligent chip USB-C to C cable, friendly reversible design, charging speed max up to 20V/3A, also support 480 Mbp/s fast data transmission. 10ft length can give you more space to move while charging
- 【What you get】2-pack 20W USB-C wall charger and 10ft Type C cable. We offer 2-year warranty and 7 x 24 hours friendly customer service. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
Do you need a new charger for iPhone 15 or later?
Usually not the wall adapter. Apple says a compatible power adapter is sold separately and that compliant third-party adapters and cables can be used. See Apple’s power-adapter guidance. Check what you already own:
- You have a USB-C wall adapter: Keep it. Use a USB-C-to-USB-C cable that connects to the iPhone.
- You have a USB-A wall adapter: You can charge the phone with a USB-A-to-USB-C cable. Speed and convenience depend on the adapter and cable; consider a USB-C Power Delivery adapter if you want a modern fast-charging setup.
- You have a Lightning cable: It will not plug directly into a USB-C iPhone. Keep it for Lightning devices and use a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for the new phone.
- Your adapter is damaged or unsuitable: Replace it with a compliant USB-C adapter from Apple or a reputable third party.
Is USB-C the same as the charger?
No. “Charger” often means the wall power adapter, while the cable is the separate lead that connects the adapter to the phone. For iPhone 15 and later, the phone end of the cable must be USB-C. A USB-C adapter and a USB-C-to-USB-C cable are separate items unless sold together. A USB-C-to-Lightning cable is for Lightning iPhones and accessories, not for plugging into a USB-C iPhone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Durable Design: Reinforced nylon exterior and a robust core ensure this cable withstands up to 5,000 bends, outlasting other brands
- Fast Charging: Supports Power Delivery for up to 60W high-speed charging when paired with a USB-C charger
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with virtually all USB-C devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Transfer files quickly with 480Mbps data transfer speeds
- Included Accessories: Comes with a hook-and-loop cable tie for easy organization and a welcome guide for hassle-free setup
Rank #4
- High-Speed Charging&Data Transfer: Deliver full-speed charging for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro and Pro Max, it’s 3 times faster charging speed than original 5W charger. Enjoy the 480 Mbps data transfer speed
- Durability: Improved design and high-quality materials increase service life. strong and wear-resistant, Withstands 90-degree bends over 20,000 times
- Portable: 6FT Enough Long Cable relax in bed, or charge in any position that’s convenient for you.Lightweight and without tangled cables. You can take it with you wherever you want
- Compatibility: For iPhone 18/17/16/15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPad Pro 12.9 inch 6th/5th/4th/3th (2022/2021/2020/2018), iPad Pro 11 inch 4th/3th/2th/1th (2022/2021/2020/2018), iPad Air 5th (2022), iPad Air 4th (2020), iPad Mini 6th Gen (2021), iPad 10th Generation 10.9 inch (2022); Also compatible with Google Pixel 9/8/7/6/5/4/3/2/XL, and more USB C android phones
- What You Get: 4-Pack USB C Wall Charger Block, 4-Pack 6 ft USB C to C Cable and our friendly customer service.If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. Our service team will reply you with satisfied solution within 24 hours
Rank #3
- [For iPhone Duo Charger] 20W PD USB C power delivery wall plug and 6ft USB-C to C cable, charging your iPhone Duo 18 17 16 15 to 55% in half an hour, which is 3*faster than with an original 5W charger, Helps You Work Efficiently
- [Superior Safety] iPhone fast charger block equipped with a wide range of safety features, including temperature control, short circuit protection and current regulation to protect your connected devices and maximize the life of your device
- [Widely Compatibility] USB-C charger block offers 20W fast charging for iPhone Duo,iPhone 18 Pro/18 Pro Max,iPhone 17/17 Air/17 Pro/17 Pro Max, iPhone 16/16 Pro/16 Pro Max/16 Plus, iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Pro Max/15 Plus,iPad Pro 12.9/11 inch 6th/5th/4th/3rd, iPad Air 5th/4th, iPad Mini 6 and more USB-C device
- [Fast Charging USB C Cable] With the intelligent chip USB-C to C cable, friendly reversible design, charging speed max up to 20V/3A, also support 480 Mbp/s fast data transmission. Tangle-free 6 Feet length is convenient for usage while charging and sync at home/office/travel in bed, hotel rooms, and more
- [What You Get] 2Pack USB C Wall Charger + 2Pack 6FT USB C cable. We offer 12 months warranty and friendly customer service. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
Rank #2
- 20W High-Speed Charging: Enjoy fast charging with 20W max output for your iPhone, Samsung phones, and other devices.
- Simultaneous Dual-Port Charging: With the ability to use USB-C and USB-A ports simultaneously, power two devices at once without compromising speed or performance.
- Small and Compact: Designed with portability in mind, take the compact charger with you wherever you go, ensuring that you never run out of power when you need it the most.
- Safety Features You Can Trust: Anker's proprietary system includes overvoltage protection, temperature control, and other safety features designed to help safeguard your devices while charging.
- What You Get: Anker Charger (2-Port, 20W), 2-pack 5 ft USB-C to USB-C cable, welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What to check before buying a cable or adapter
- Connector: Choose USB-C at the iPhone end for iPhone 15 and later. Older iPhones use Lightning.
- Charging standard: USB Power Delivery is the interoperable charging standard referenced by the EU framework. A proprietary fast-charging claim does not guarantee the same rate across every phone.
- Safety: Apple advises using adapters and cables that comply with applicable regulations and safety standards. Buy from Apple or a reputable manufacturer.
- Cable capability: USB-C describes the connector, not a single performance level. Check the cable’s charging and data specifications against how you intend to use it.
- Ports and size: A one-port adapter is typically more compact; multi-port adapters can charge several devices but may be larger.
Which part should you replace?
| Your current setup | What to do |
|---|---|
| USB-C adapter, no suitable cable | Get a USB-C-to-USB-C cable; keep the adapter. |
| USB-A adapter in good condition | Use a USB-A-to-USB-C cable, or replace the adapter with a USB-C Power Delivery model if you want a modern fast-charging option. |
| Lightning cable only | Keep it for Lightning devices; get a USB-C-to-USB-C cable for the USB-C iPhone. |
| Damaged or unsuitable adapter | Replace the wall adapter with a compliant USB-C model. |
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