If you own an Apple device, you know how important it is to have a reliable power adapter. Over the years, Apple has released several versions of power adapters, each with different power levels and features. In this blog post, we'll break down the main Apple power adapters, what makes them special, and which devices they work best with.

 

1. 5W USB Power Adapter

Power: 5V/1A (5W)

Features: This was Apple's go-to charger in the early days. It's small and easy to carry around, but it charges your devices pretty slowly.

Compatible Devices: Older iPhone models, including iPhone 4s all the way up to iPhone 8 and earlier.

 

2. 10W USB Power Adapter

Power: 5V/2A (10W)

Features: A step up from the 5W adapter, it charges your device faster. However, it's still a basic charging option.

Compatible Devices: Some iPad models like iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4.

 

3. 12W USB Power Adapter

Power: 5.2V/2.4A (12W)

Features: With even faster charging, it supports fast charging for certain iPad models.

Compatible Devices: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), and more.

 

4. 18W USB-C Power Adapter

Power: 9V/2A or 5V/3A (18W)

Features: Apple's first USB-C fast charger. It allows for quick charging of iPhone 8 and newer models.

Compatible Devices: 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd and 4th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st and 2nd generation).

 

5. 20W USB-C Power Adapter

Power: 9V/2.22A (20W)

Features: This is Apple's current popular fast charger. It's compact, efficient, and can charge iPhone 12 and later models to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Compatible Devices: iPhone 12 and newer models, iPad mini (6th generation), iPad Air (4th generation), etc.

 

6. 30W/35W/67W/96W/140W USB-C Power Adapter

Features: These high-power USB-C adapters are mainly for MacBook laptops, but they can also fast charge iPhones and iPads.

30W/35W: Ideal for lightweight models like MacBook Air (M4).

67W/96W/140W: Designed for MacBook Pro, offering even faster PD (Power Delivery) fast charging.

 

7. MagSafe Wireless Charger (15W)

Power: 15W for iPhone 12 - 15, 7.5W for iPhone 8 - 11

Features: It's a magnetic wireless charger. But you need to use it with a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter.

 

Which Adapter Should You Get?

For iPhone Users: The 20W USB-C power adapter is a great choice. It's affordable and offers fast charging.

For iPad Users: You can go for either the 20W or 30W USB-C power adapter, depending on whether your iPad supports higher power charging.

For MacBook Users: Choose an adapter between 30W and 140W based on your specific MacBook model.

Remember, starting from the iPhone 12, Apple stopped including power adapters in the box. So, you'll have to buy one separately. To keep your device safe and ensure it works well, it's best to choose an official Apple adapter or a third-party one with MFi (Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod) certification.

Do you have any questions about Apple power adapters? Let us know in the comments below!