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Quick answer: our top pick is Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter (40 W, up to 60 W peak · USB-C PD · Apple original).
Which charger for iPhone? Quick selection of the right wattage
For older models, such as iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and iPhone Air, you need a 20 W USB-C PD charger. Newer designs draw more power: iPhone 16e and 17e support around 25 W, iPhone 17 accepts around 28 W, while the 16, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max versions charge at up to around 30 W. For iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models, a power adapter with around 40-45 W will be best, and for iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Duo, it is worth choosing a 60-65 W model. You can charge all these phones at full speed using a single Apple 40 W charger with peak power up to 60 W.
| Model | Max power | Protocol | Which charger |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | 20 W | USB PD | USB PD 20 W |
| iPhone 13 | 20 W | USB PD | USB PD 20 W |
| iPhone 14 | 20 W | USB PD | USB PD 20 W |
| iPhone 15 | 20 W | USB PD | USB PD 20 W |
| iPhone Air | 20 W | USB PD | USB PD 20 W |
| iPhone 16e | 25 W | USB PD | USB PD 25 W |
| iPhone 17e | 25 W | USB PD | USB PD 25 W |
| iPhone 17 | 28 W | USB PD | USB PD 30 W |
| iPhone 16 | 30 W | USB PD | USB PD 30 W |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 30 W | USB PD | USB PD 30 W |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 30 W | USB PD | USB PD 30 W |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 35 W | USB PD | USB PD 45 W |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 36 W | USB PD | USB PD 45 W |
| iPhone 18 Pro | 45 W | USB PD + PPS | USB PD + PPS 45 W |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | 53 W | USB PD + PPS | USB PD + PPS 65 W |
| iPhone Duo | 60 W | USB PD | USB PD 65 W |
Wireless charging: Which wireless charger for iPhone 17? MagSafe and Qi2.2 25W | Which wireless charger for iPhone 17e? 15W MagSafe without overpaying | Which wireless charger for iPhone 18 Pro? 25W MagSafe and a 35W adapter | Which wireless charger for iPhone Duo - 25W MagSafe on Apple's first foldable | Which 3-in-1 charger for iPhone 17? Phone, watch and earbuds at once
Find your model in the table above to check its capabilities. The column with the suggested charger will tell you exactly what wattage to look for on the casing of a new power adapter.
Power Delivery standard in simple terms
All smartphones listed in the comparison charge via the standard USB-C Power Delivery protocol. This means you do not have to buy exclusively Apple accessories, as any good charger supporting the PD standard will safely power your device.
Pay attention to the cable connecting the power adapter to the phone. For iPhone 12, 13, and 14 models, you need a USB-C to Lightning cable. In newer generations, the phone already features a USB-C port, so a standard cable with USB-C on both ends is sufficient.
The PD standard automatically ensures the safety of the entire process. The devices negotiate power parameters, allowing the charger to deliver exactly the voltage the battery needs at any given moment.
Fun fact: In tests by MacRumors and Android Headlines, iPhone 18 Pro Max temporarily charged at around 52-53 W, which is more than two and a half times more than the 20 W with which iPhone 12-15 charge.
Fun fact: ChargerLAB measured that iPhone 15 charged slightly slower than iPhone 14, despite the new USB-C port.
Why won't a more powerful charger speed up charging?
I often come across the belief that connecting a very powerful charger will charge the phone in a few minutes. If your iPhone draws a maximum of around 20 W, plugging it into a 65 W power adapter will not reduce the charging time. The phone itself determines how much power it draws from the power source.
The wattage indicated on the charger casing is its maximum output, not a constant value delivered continuously. The power adapter will supply only as much energy as the smartphone's built-in electronics allow. The rest of the available power simply remains in reserve.
Buying a more powerful charger makes sense in specific situations. A higher wattage power adapter is useful for powering a laptop simultaneously or charging multiple devices at once, where power is divided between individual ports.
We reviewed the selection of power adapters for compatibility with the Power Delivery protocol and suitability for different models. We selected the following recommendations to meet the requirements of every phone in our table.
Recommended chargers for iPhone
1. Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter
40 W, up to 60 W peak · USB-C PD · Apple original
Apple's new adapter: 40 W, up to 60 W at peak. Every iPhone in the table charges at full speed from it, including the 17 Pro, 18 Pro Max and Duo.
2. Apple 20W USB-C
20 W · USB-C Power Delivery · Apple original
Apple's own 20 W adapter. iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15 and Air charge at full speed from it. Newer models fast charge too, but their full power needs a stronger adapter.
3. INIU 65W 3-Port Charger
65 W · USB-C Power Delivery · 3 ports
A low-cost 65 W charger with USB Power Delivery. Phones that charge over plain PD get full power up to 65 W from it. It has no PPS, so for phones that need PPS pick another charger from the list.
Original Apple or a reliable alternative?
Many users consider purchasing an original power adapter. A good-quality third-party charger provides the exact same charging speed, provided it supports the appropriate USB Power Delivery protocol and the wattage specified for your phone.
Third-party chargers are often more versatile and affordable than original models. For the price of a basic power brick, you can easily buy a charger with multiple USB ports, allowing you to charge your phone and other home accessories from a single outlet.
When choosing an alternative, check the specifications on the packaging. Pay attention to Power Delivery support and ensure that the wattage offered matches the requirements of your phone model.
Frequently asked questions about charging your iPhone
Which charger for iPhone?
For every modern iPhone, you need a wall charger with a USB-C port that supports Power Delivery. For models from 12 to 15 and iPhone Air, a 20 W brick is sufficient. For newer devices, depending on the version, a power adapter rated from 25 W to 65 W works best.
How many watts is an iPhone charger?
Original Apple chargers most often offer 20 W or 40 W with peak power up to 60 W. Phones accept different rates: models 12-15 up to about 20 W, 16e and 17e up to about 25 W, 17 up to about 28 W, the 16 series up to about 30 W, the 17 Pro series up to about 35-36 W, 18 Pro up to about 45 W, 18 Pro Max up to about 53 W, and iPhone Duo up to 60 W.
Is a 20 W charger enough for a new iPhone?
Yes, a 20 W power adapter will charge any iPhone model from our table, as the Power Delivery standard adjusts the power parameters. Keep in mind, however, that newer models can draw from 25 W to over 50 W, so with a 20 W brick the charging process will take longer than with a more powerful charger.
Will a more powerful charger harm the iPhone?
No, connecting a more powerful power adapter is completely safe for the phone. The device regulates the charging process itself and will only draw as much power as it can safely accept.
Does Apple include a charger with the iPhone?
No, Apple does not include a charger in the box with the phone. The standard package with the smartphone only includes the charging cable, which means you have to purchase the power adapter separately.
Sources
- Apple: iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max tech specs - manufacturer page (apple.com)
- Apple Support: iPhone 17 Pro tech specs - manufacturer page (support.apple.com)
- MacRumors: iPhone 18 Pro Max charging speed test - industry article (macrumors.com)
- Android Headlines: iPhone 18 Pro Max hits 52W peak charging - industry article (androidheadlines.com)
- GSMArena: Apple iPhone 17 review, battery and charging - industry article (gsmarena.com)
- ChargerLAB: Apple iPhone 15 charging review - industry article (chargerlab.com)
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