What Charger Comes in the Box With a New iPhone

New iPhones do not include a charger in the box

Apple stopped including a charger with new iPhones starting with the iPhone 12 in 2020. When you open a new iPhone today, you will find the phone itself, a USB-C to Lightning cable (or USB-C to USB-C cable on iPhone 15 and later), and documentation. The power adapter that plugs into the wall is not there.

This change applies to all current iPhone models, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. If you already own an older iPhone charger, you can use it with your new phone — but the cable type matters, which is explained below.

Key Takeaways

iPhones sold today come with a USB-C to Lightning cable or USB-C to USB-C cable, but no wall power adapter.
iPhone 15 and later models use USB-C ports, while older iPhones use Lightning ports, so the cable type depends on which iPhone you own.
You can use a compatible charger from another device if you already have one, as long as the cable matches your phone's port.
Apple sells chargers separately, but third-party chargers work with iPhones and are often less expensive.

What cable type your iPhone uses

The cable included in your box depends on which iPhone model you purchased. iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max all come with a USB-C to USB-C cable. Older models — iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and earlier — come with a USB-C to Lightning cable.

The difference matters because you need a cable that matches your phone's charging port. If you have an older iPhone with a Lightning port and you try to use a USB-C to USB-C cable, it will not fit. Check the bottom of your iPhone: if you see a small rectangular port, that is Lightning. If you see a rounded oval port with multiple small holes, that is USB-C.

Using chargers you already own

If you have a charger from a previous iPhone, iPad, or Android phone, you may be able to use it with your new iPhone. The key is matching the cable to your phone's port. A USB-C to Lightning cable works with any iPhone that has a Lightning port. A USB-C to USB-C cable works with iPhone 15 and later.

The power adapter itself — the brick that plugs into the wall — is separate from the cable. Most modern power adapters work with any USB-C cable, regardless of which device they originally came with. If your old charger has a USB-A port (the larger, flat rectangular shape), it will not work with the new cables Apple includes, because those cables have USB-C connectors on both ends.

Buying a new charger if you need one

Apple sells official chargers on its website and in its stores. A 20-watt USB-C power adapter costs around $19, and a 35-watt dual-port adapter costs around $49. These are the chargers Apple recommends for iPhones.

Third-party chargers from brands like Anker, Belkin, and others work with iPhones and are often less expensive than Apple's official chargers. Look for chargers labeled as USB-C power adapters with at least 20 watts of power output. The cable you use matters more than the brand of the power adapter — as long as the cable matches your phone's port, most modern USB-C chargers will work.

Fast charging and power requirements

iPhones support fast charging, but the speed depends on the power adapter you use. iPhone 15 models can charge up to 20 watts with a wired charger, though Apple's 35-watt adapter does not make them charge faster — it is designed for people who charge multiple devices at once.

You do not need a high-wattage charger to use your iPhone safely. A 5-watt charger will work, but it will charge your phone more slowly. A 20-watt charger is the practical minimum if you want reasonable charging speed. Older iPhones (iPhone 14 and earlier) charge at up to 20 watts as well, so a 20-watt USB-C adapter works across multiple iPhone generations.

Wireless charging as an alternative

All current iPhones support wireless charging with a MagSafe charger or any Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Wireless chargers are sold separately and range from around $15 for a basic pad to $40 or more for MagSafe chargers made by Apple or third parties.

Wireless charging is slower than wired charging — it typically adds 5 to 10 percent battery per hour, compared to 15 to 20 percent per hour with a wired charger. Wireless charging is useful if you want to set your phone down and charge it without plugging in a cable, but it is not a replacement for a wired charger if you need your phone charged quickly.

What to do if your old charger does not work

If you have a charger from an older device and it does not work with your new iPhone, the problem is usually the cable, not the power adapter. Check what type of port your charger has. If it has a USB-A port (the flat rectangular connector), you need a new USB-C cable to use it with a new iPhone. If it has a USB-C port, the cable that came with your iPhone should work with it.

If you are unsure whether a charger is safe to use, check the wattage printed on the adapter. Any charger between 5 and 35 watts is safe for iPhones. Chargers above 35 watts are also safe — they simply will not charge your phone any faster than a 20-watt charger would.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Android charger with my iPhone?

Yes, if the cable matches your iPhone's port. If your Android phone uses USB-C and your iPhone has a USB-C port (iPhone 15 or later), the cable works. If your Android charger has a USB-A port, you need a USB-C to Lightning or USB-C to USB-C cable to use it with an iPhone.

Do I need to buy an Apple charger or can I use a third-party one?

Third-party chargers work fine with iPhones. Look for chargers labeled as USB-C power adapters with at least 20 watts of power. Brands like Anker, Belkin, and others make reliable chargers that cost less than Apple's official chargers.

Why did Apple stop including chargers in the box?

Apple stated the change was to reduce electronic waste and packaging size. The company assumed most people already own USB power adapters from previous devices. Whether this reasoning applies to you depends on what chargers you already have at home.

Is it safe to leave my iPhone plugged in overnight?

Yes. iPhones stop charging once the battery reaches 100 percent, so leaving your phone plugged in does not damage the battery. Modern chargers and phones are designed to handle this safely.

What if I lost the cable that came with my iPhone?

You can buy a replacement cable from Apple or a third party. A USB-C to Lightning cable costs around $19 from Apple, and third-party versions cost less. Make sure you buy the correct cable type for your iPhone model.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.