Applethanks to the replacement of ‘s proprietary Lightning port with USB-C iPhone 15 And iPhone 15 ProCharging your device has undergone a transformation this year. This means you can now charge your phone using almost any USB-C cable and USB-C power adapter available online. So what’s the key to ensuring your iPhone charges at the fastest speed possible?
Since USB-C is an open standard, you have the flexibility to use almost any USB-C cable you come across. Although the iPhone 15 comes with a premium woven braided cable, you can use any USB-C cable, including those labeled as an ‘Android’ phone cable. However, if you notice that your iPhone is charging slowly, it’s time to consider upgrading your charging brick.
In the past, when Apple included accessories in the box, iPhones shipped with modest 5-watt power adapters. These have been around for a while, and if you have one on hand, it’s perfectly compatible with the iPhone 15, provided you pair it with a USB-C to USB-A cable.
However, note that this setup will only provide 5W charging speeds. This was acceptable a few years ago when smartphone batteries were smaller, but with the increased battery capacities of modern iPhones, a 5-watt charger can take four to five hours to fully charge the device. Frankly, this is a slow option.
So, how do you fast charge your iPhone 15?
To fast charge your iPhone 15, you will need a higher wattage charging brick. The iPhone’s USB-C port can theoretically handle charging speeds of up to 27 watts, but in practical terms, charging speeds above about 20 watts offer diminishing returns. Therefore, equipping it with a USB-C cable and an Apple 20W USB-C power adapter is the solution. With this combination, you can charge your iPhone 15 from 0 to 50% in approximately 30 minutes and reach a full charge in less than 2 hours.
However, you’re not limited to using Apple-branded accessories. There are many high-wattage USB-C charging options on the market that may be more convenient than what Apple offers. For example, you can explore dual USB-C compact chargers like Anker’s. Importantly, it is safe to use power adapters higher than 20 watts; Your iPhone will only charge at its maximum supported speed.
For those with a USB-C MacBook power adapter, this means you can use it to fast charge your iPhone. Additionally, if your MacBook is plugged in and charging, you can connect your iPhone to one of the laptop’s USB-C ports and get almost maximum charging speed.
USB-C technology brings the advantage of fast charging all your Apple devices using the same cable and 60-watt (or higher) MacBook power adapter. It’s a versatile and efficient way to power your devices.