Advanced Tip: Learn about Apple’s USB Power Adapters

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The other day, my dad and I got to talking about power adapters and how Apple guards against having some 3rd party adapters not work with their equipment.

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Then, it got me to thinking about how many other people do not know (but should) about those power adapters and what you should and should not do with them. After a quick Google search, I came across this page to help me explain (and learn) about these adapters so I can know how these work and take care of them even better than before.

Apple offers different adapters for their hardware – from iPods, to iPhones, all the way up to the Mac Pro. Here’s a copy of the official page that talks about these adapters and how they actually work.

About Apple USB power adapters

This overview will help you identify a USB power adapter from Apple. Apple USB power adapters and cables are included with many products and are available separately from Apple and authorized Apple resellers.

Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all our products—including USB power adapters—undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standardsaround the world.

As part of our efforts to reach our environmental goals, iPhone models no longer include a power adapter in the box. iPhone continues to work with existing power adapters and USB-A to Lightning cables, such as those included in prior models. iPhone models now include in the box a newer USB‑C to Lightning cable that supports fast charging and is compatible with USB‑C power adapters and computer ports that you might already have. You can use either a USB-A to Lightning cable or the newer USB-C to Lightning cable with your iPhone.

You can use any of the adapters listed below to charge your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or iPod. You can also use a Mac USB-C Power Adapter or third-party adapters that comply with applicable safety standards. For more information about charging your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or iPod, refer to the Safety, Handling, and Support section of the iPhone User Guide, iPad User Guide, Apple Watch User Guide, or iPod User Guide.

5W USB power adapter

Most iPhone models earlier than iPhone 11 came with a 5W power adapter in the box.

10W USB power adapter

These devices come with a 10W power adapter in the box:

iPad Air 2

iPad Air

iPad mini 4

iPad mini 3

iPad mini 2

iPad 2

12W USB power adapter

These devices come with a 12W power adapter in the box:

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)

iPad Pro (10.5-inch)

iPad Pro (9.7-inch)*

iPad Air (3rd generation)*

iPad mini (5th generation)*

iPad (7th generation)*

iPad (6th generation)*

iPad (5th generation)*

* In some countries and regions, this model ships with the 10W power adapter.

18W USB-C power adapter

These devices come with an 18W power adapter in the box:

iPad Pro 12.9 inch (4th generation)

iPad Pro 12.9 inch (3rd generation)

iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)

iPad Pro 11-inch

The Apple 18W USB-C power adapter can fast charge your iPhone 8 or later.

20W USB-C power adapter

These devices come with a 20W power adapter in the box:

iPad mini (6th generation)

iPad (9th generation)

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)

iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)

iPad (8th generation)

iPad Air (4th generation)

Learn about USB power adapter certifications

When an iOS or iPadOS device comes with an Apple USB power adapter, that adapter is certified to meet government safety standards in countries and regions where the device is available. Many of these countries and regions, including the United States, have adopted the Safety of Information Technology Equipment standard, IEC/UL 60950-1.

Apple USB power adapters are designed for use with power sources rated to provide 100V AC to 240V AC at 50Hz to 60Hz. The Type A (flat parallel-blade design) Apple 5W USB, 18W, and 20W USB-C power adapters, as well as the 10W and 12W USB power adapters (with Type A AC plug attached) also comply with the IEC/UL 60950-1 and IEC/UL 62368-1 standards for use with power sources rated to provide 115V AC at 400Hz.