The official name depends on which iPhone you own

Apple calls the charging cable a Lightning cable if your iPhone is older than the iPhone 15, or a USB-C to USB-C cable if you have an iPhone 15 or newer. The wall plug itself is called a power adapter or USB power adapter. When people say "iPhone charger," they usually mean the whole setup — both the cable and the adapter — even though technically the adapter is what charges and the cable just carries the power.

The reason there are two different cables matters: Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C in September 2023 with the iPhone 15 release. If you have an iPhone 14 or earlier, you need a Lightning cable. If you have an iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, or 15 Pro Max, you need USB-C. This is the single most common source of confusion when someone buys a new iPhone and finds their old cable no longer fits.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones before the iPhone 15 use Lightning cables; iPhone 15 and newer use USB-C cables.
  • The wall plug is called a power adapter or USB power adapter, separate from the cable itself.
  • Apple stopped including a power adapter in the box starting with iPhone 12, so you may need to buy one separately.
  • Third-party cables and adapters work with iPhones as long as they match the connector type your phone uses.

Lightning cables and what they look like

A Lightning cable has a distinctive flat, rectangular connector with eight small pins arranged in two rows. The connector is about the size of a small USB plug but thinner and wider. One end plugs into your iPhone, iPad, or AirPods; the other end is either USB-A (the rectangular connector you see on older computers and wall adapters) or USB-C (the smaller, oval connector on newer devices).

Lightning cables come in different lengths — typically 1 meter (about 3 feet) or 2 meters (about 6 feet) — and Apple sells them for around $19 to $29 depending on length. Third-party versions from brands like Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics are usually cheaper and work just as well, though Apple's official cables tend to last longer in heavy use.

USB-C cables for iPhone 15 and newer

The USB-C to USB-C cable that comes with iPhone 15 looks like a standard USB-C cable you might already own for Android phones, tablets, or laptops. Both ends are the same small, oval-shaped connector. This is actually an advantage: if you already have USB-C cables for other devices, they will work with your iPhone 15 without buying anything new.

USB-C cables are cheaper than Lightning cables were — you can find quality third-party versions for $5 to $15. Because USB-C is a standard used across thousands of devices, there is far more choice and competition on price. The downside is that not all USB-C cables are identical; some support faster charging speeds than others, though any USB-C cable will charge your iPhone eventually.

Power adapters and what wattage means

The power adapter is the brick that plugs into the wall. It converts wall power into the right voltage and current for your phone. Apple's adapters come in different wattages: 5W, 18W, 20W, and 30W are the most common. The wattage tells you how fast the adapter can charge — a 30W adapter charges faster than a 5W adapter, but your iPhone will only draw as much power as it needs, so using a more powerful adapter will not damage the phone.

Apple stopped including a power adapter in the iPhone box starting with iPhone 12 in 2020. You get only the cable. If you do not already own a USB power adapter, you will need to buy one separately. A basic 20W USB-C power adapter from Apple costs around $19; third-party versions from Anker or Belkin are usually $10 to $15 and work identically.

Wireless chargers and MagSafe

MagSafe is Apple's magnetic wireless charging system, available on iPhone 12 and newer. A MagSafe charger is a circular puck that uses magnets to align your phone perfectly on top of it, then charges wirelessly. The charger itself plugs into a USB power adapter with a USB-C cable, just like a wired charger. MagSafe chargers are not required — your iPhone will charge on any standard Qi wireless charger — but MagSafe charges slightly faster and holds the phone in place magnetically.

MagSafe chargers cost $25 to $40 depending on the brand and whether you want a stand or a flat puck. Third-party MagSafe chargers from Anker, Belkin, and others work with iPhones just as well as Apple's official version and are often cheaper.

What to buy if you need a new charger

Start by checking what cable your iPhone needs: if it is an iPhone 14 or older, you need Lightning; if it is an iPhone 15 or newer, you need USB-C. Then decide whether you want wired or wireless charging. For wired charging, you need a USB power adapter and the correct cable. For wireless charging, you need a Qi charger or MagSafe charger and a power adapter.

Third-party chargers are almost always cheaper than Apple's official versions and perform identically for everyday use. Look for brands like Anker, Belkin, Amazon Basics, or Spigen. The main advantage of buying from Apple is that you know it will work; the main advantage of third-party chargers is that they cost less and often come in multipacks so you can keep one at home, one at work, and one in your bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Lightning cable with an iPhone 15?

No. iPhone 15 uses USB-C only. A Lightning cable will not physically fit into the port. If you upgrade from an older iPhone to iPhone 15, your old Lightning cables and adapters will not work with the new phone, though you can use them with older iPhones or iPads.

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

Third-party chargers work fine. Any USB power adapter and cable that match your iPhone's connector type will charge your phone. Third-party options are usually cheaper and just as reliable for normal use. Stick with established brands like Anker or Belkin rather than unknown sellers.

What is the difference between a 20W and 30W power adapter?

A 30W adapter charges faster than a 20W adapter, but your iPhone will only draw the power it needs. Both will fully charge your phone; the 30W just does it slightly quicker. For most people, 20W is plenty. The 30W is worth it only if you charge multiple devices at once or want the fastest possible charging speed.

Can I use my Android phone's USB-C charger with my iPhone 15?

Yes, as long as it is a USB-C to USB-C cable and power adapter. iPhone 15 uses the same USB-C standard as most Android phones, so chargers are interchangeable. This is one of the main benefits of Apple switching to USB-C.