The world of iPhone chargers can be confusing, especially with the variety of connectors available. The key to understanding which cable you need lies in knowing your iPhone’s model and identifying what kind of port it has.
It’s important to remember that there are two ends to every charging cable: the side that connects to your iPhone and the side that connects to your plug, power bank, laptop or other power source.
A short history
Since 2012, all iPhones relied on Apple’s proprietary connector, known as the Lightning cable. This small, reversible connector was used from the iPhone 5 through to the iPhone 14. If you have one of these iPhone models, the port on the bottom of your device is a Lightning port.
The other end of your Lightning cable needs to have the appropriate connector to plug into your power source. If you’re using an older style power adapter or computer port, this will likely be a Lightning to USB-A cable – the traditional rectangular USB connector that has been around for years.
However, with newer computers or power adapters, or if you have the iPhone 15 and above, you will need a Lightning to USB-C cable – the more versatile oblong-shaped connector that has become the new industry standard.
The introduction of the USB-C
Since the launch of the iPhone 12, Apple no longer includes a power adapter in the box when you buy a new phone. Instead, you get a charging cable with a USB-C connector that plugs into the adapter.
The "new" charger for your iPhone depends on the charging method you prefer and the specific iPhone model you have.
Why did Apple make this change?
In 2023, Apple changed their renowned Lightning cable following a new EU law stating that all small electronic devices had to use a common charger: USB-C. Although this means users now require USB-C cables and adapters for their iPhones, many other devices and accessories already use the same standard, making it easier and more convenient overall.
What phone charger can I use for my iPhone 15, 16 or 17?
USB-C is the new universally accepted charging standard that also enables data syncing and playing audio and video. iPhone 15 and later models have a USB-C connector which allows you to charge and connect to a variety of devices, including Mac, iPad, AirPods Pro 2, external storage devices and more.
For the fastest possible charging, using a USB-C cable and a powerful adapter will charge your iPhone up to 50% in just 30 minutes.
Ports & cables explained
Apple Lightning
- Apple Lightning ports are oval in shape and empty in the middle
- Apple Lightning connectors have visible ‘pins’ on the exterior of the connector
USB-A
- USB-A ports are rectangular in shape – these have been around for a long time
- USB-A connectors are rectangular in shape
This is the traditional USB connector that’s commonly found on older computers, car chargers and some power adapters
USB-C
- USB-C ports are oval in shape with a board of pin connectors in the middle
- USB-C connectors are oval in shape and hollow in the middle
This is the more versatile oblong-shaped connector that’s become the new industry standard and is found on the newer iPhones and most newer power adapters
Juice iPhone chargers & cables
Here at Juice, we offer a number of plugs and cables – including fast-charging options – compatible with iPhone 15 and above.
Our dual port fast charging plugs are available in 20W and 30W, while our USB-C fast charging plug is 20W. We also have a travel universal charger, triple port mains charger and energy saving smart plug which uses Alexa and Google Assistant voice control so you can manage your devices with even more ease.
When it comes to cables, Juice is leading the market, with more consumers buying our sustainably made cables over any other brand in the UK.
Our USB-C charging cables are available in a range of colours and lengths – from 1m to 3m – and our braided options are now available in rose gold, midnight blue and gold.
