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Using 12W iPad power adapter with iPhone?

davidmartindale

davidmartindale

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 28, 2011
234
64
PNW, USA
Does anyone know if the 12W power adapter for the iPad will work with the iPhone to increase charging speeds? Or will it still only output 5W of power when connected to an iPhone? I've heard it works fine as far as not damaging the phone and it is listed as compatible with iPhones on the product page but haven't heard much on the speed of charging.

Product Link:
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD836LL/A/apple-12w-usb-power-adapter
 
I've only used the iPad chargers for years on iPads and iPhones. The charging speed is faster than with the iPhone charger. I don't have exact numbers but I feel like it is 25% or more. There are many threads on this topic. Do a search.
 
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Givmeabrek said:
I've only used the iPad chargers for years on iPads and iPhones. The charging speed is faster than with the iPhone charger. I don't have exact numbers but I feel like it is 25% or more. There are many threads on this topic. Do a search.
Click to expand...

Cool thanks man!
 
Givmeabrek said:
I've only used the iPad chargers for years on iPads and iPhones. The charging speed is faster than with the iPhone charger. I don't have exact numbers but I feel like it is 25% or more. There are many threads on this topic. Do a search.
Click to expand...


Same for me.
 
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 will charge at about the same rate with an iPad charger as with the charger they came with. However, since more current is available, you can use your phone while it's charging and it won't slow down the charge rate if you use an iPad charger.

The 6 Plus and 7 Plus, on the other hand, DO charge faster with an iPad charger. It's not much of a difference, though; maybe 20% faster for the first 80% or so, then the same speed for the rest of the charge.

In summary: It's worth using an iPad charger if you already have one laying around, but it's NOT worth buying an iPad charger to charge your phone faster. It won't make a big difference in day to day use.

EDIT: If you use your phone a lot in your car, for navigation, or if you're an Uber/Lyft driver or the like, it's worth getting a 2 amp charger for the car. This is because those functions use a lot of power, and the iPhone 6 and newer WILL make use of the additional current to make sure the battery stays topped off.
 
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zorinlynx said:
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 will charge at about the same rate with an iPad charger as with the charger they came with. However, since more current is available, you can use your phone while it's charging and it won't slow down the charge rate if you use an iPad charger.

The 6 Plus and 7 Plus, on the other hand, DO charge faster with an iPad charger. It's not much of a difference, though; maybe 20% faster for the first 80% or so, then the same speed for the rest of the charge.

In summary: It's worth using an iPad charger if you already have one laying around, but it's NOT worth buying an iPad charger to charge your phone faster. It won't make a big difference in day to day use.

EDIT: If you use your phone a lot in your car, for navigation, or if you're an Uber/Lyft driver or the like, it's worth getting a 2 amp charger for the car. This is because those functions use a lot of power, and the iPhone 6 and newer WILL make use of the additional current to make sure the battery stays topped off.
Click to expand...

Where did you come up with this info?
Both regular and plus iPhones charge faster period with an iPad charger. Not same rate and yes it is a big difference.
It charges way faster than the regular plug the iPhone comes with.
It will make a big difference and yes you should get an iPad plug instead unless you enjoy waiting longer.
 
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Applejuiced said:
Where did you come up with this info?
Both regular and plus iPhones charge faster period with an iPad charger. Not same rate and yes it is a big difference.
It charges way faster than the regular plug the iPhone comes with.
It will make a big difference and yes you should get an iPad plug instead unless you enjoy waiting longer.
Click to expand...

Agreed. There is an older thread in which quantitative tests were done. The iPad charger will charge the 6, 6s, and 7 models at faster rates. I have used the iPad charger on an iPhone 6 (4.7") and now an iPhone 7 (4.7") and it charges the phone observably faster than a 1 amp charger.
 
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zorinlynx said:
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 will charge at about the same rate with an iPad charger as with the charger they came with. However, since more current is available, you can use your phone while it's charging and it won't slow down the charge rate if you use an iPad charger.

The 6 Plus and 7 Plus, on the other hand, DO charge faster with an iPad charger. It's not much of a difference, though; maybe 20% faster for the first 80% or so, then the same speed for the rest of the charge.

In summary: It's worth using an iPad charger if you already have one laying around, but it's NOT worth buying an iPad charger to charge your phone faster. It won't make a big difference in day to day use.

EDIT: If you use your phone a lot in your car, for navigation, or if you're an Uber/Lyft driver or the like, it's worth getting a 2 amp charger for the car. This is because those functions use a lot of power, and the iPhone 6 and newer WILL make use of the additional current to make sure the battery stays topped off.
Click to expand...
The iP 6, 7 whatever charge remarkably quicker with the 12W charger. So much text for a false statement...
 
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It is sad that Apple doesn't include the iPad brick with the iPhone considering the iPhone can be $1000+. It is also sad that there are so many Apple iPhone users out there that think their small iPhone charging brick is all they can use.

While I was out and about on business travels, 1. I was floored to see so many people at the airport with empty batteries on their phones BEFORE the flight, 2. Shocked to see the number of Apple users charging their phones with the small iPhone charging brick. I wanted to tell them that they could charge SO MUCH faster if they used an iPad brick or any charger with a 2.4 or greater amp output.... but I figured I'd probably scare more people than help. I use Anker charging bricks and batteries. People look at you like you're selling drugs if you offer them a charging cable.

Yes, both the 6, 6+, 6s, 6s+, 7, and 7+ will charge significantly faster with the iPad brick or any 2.0+ amp charger. Try it. Just make sure to use certified cables as well as a reputable charger company (Anker is a great one).

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port...=1495548901&sr=8-3&keywords=anker+usb+charger is what I use when travelling (used it in Germany recently).
 
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BigMcGuire said:
It is sad that Apple doesn't include the iPad brick with the iPhone considering the iPhone can be $1000+. It is also sad that there are so many Apple iPhone users out there that think their small iPhone charging brick is all they can use.

While I was out and about on business travels, 1. I was floored to see so many people at the airport with empty batteries on their phones BEFORE the flight, 2. Shocked to see the number of Apple users charging their phones with the small iPhone charging brick. I wanted to tell them that they could charge SO MUCH faster if they used an iPad brick or any charger with a 2.4 or greater amp output.... but I figured I'd probably scare more people than help. I use Anker charging bricks and batteries. People look at you like you're selling drugs if you offer them a charging cable.

Yes, both the 6, 6+, 6s, 6s+, 7, and 7+ will charge significantly faster with the iPad brick or any 2.0+ amp charger. Try it. Just make sure to use certified cables as well as a reputable charger company (Anker is a great one).

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-2-Port...=1495548901&sr=8-3&keywords=anker+usb+charger is what I use when travelling (used it in Germany recently).
Click to expand...

Yes, you'd probably get someone like the guy above telling them its the same thing. No real difference :D lol
Its a huge difference.
My iphone 7 plus goes up like over 40% in about 10 minutes plugged in to the ipad plug.
 
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Applejuiced said:
Yes, you'd probably get someone like the guy above telling them its the same thing. No real difference :D lol
Its a huge difference.
My iphone 7 plus goes up like over 40% in about 10 minutes plugged in to the ipad plug.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I had the delight to show an Android user who loudly exclaimed how iPhone doesn't have rapid charging. He ignored me after seeing my phone jump 50%+ in about 15 mins with an iPad 12w charger.
 
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I use my chargers randomly,just connect the device I want to charge with the first lightning cable I see.
Sometimes,phone is charged by iPad charger,and iPad by phone charger,but as I always charge overnight it's not a major concern which charger I use.
 
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HelpfulGuy said:
Isn't it dangerous to do that?
Click to expand...

It's only dangerous if you're using no-name brand chargers and uncertified cables. I've had noname chinese iPhone cables melt in my hand and noname chargers melt the plastic to a burnt yellow.

Use name brand certified cables / chargers and you're safe.

Your phone will only ask the power it needs/wants from the charger that's supplying the power. So you could plug your phone into a 4.8a charger (I have) and it will only draw what it needs to safely power the battery.
 
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HelpfulGuy said:
Isn't it dangerous to do that?
Click to expand...

No, Apple lists the ipad charger compatible for these following devices:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202105

You can use Apple 12W and 10W USB power adapters to charge your iPad, iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch, and other Apple accessories, like AirPods and Siri Remote. Just connect your device to the power adapter with the Lightning to USB Cable, 30-pin to USB cable, or Apple Watch charger that came with your device.

Using an Apple 12W or 10W USB power adapter can charge some Apple devices and accessories faster than a 5W power adapter. When using an Apple 29W USB-C Power Adapter and Apple USB-C to Lightning cable, you can fast charge your iPad Pro 12.9-inch.
 
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Ok,I checked,the two I use for phone and iPad are 1 10w and one 5 W,the smaller ones are used merely for my Apple Watch and my old iPod nano.
 
No harm will come if you use the 12w charger.

I prefer to slow-charge my devices. Both my 6s and my ipad2 charge from USB cables plugged into my computer...2W 500mA.

The ipad2 is over 6 yrs old and the battery is now 85% of original capacity. The 6s is at 96% (will be 2 yrs old in Oct).
 
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bufffilm said:
No harm will come if you use the 12w charger.

I prefer to slow-charge my devices. Both my 6s and my ipad2 charge from USB cables plugged into my computer...2W 500mA.

The ipad2 is over 6 yrs old and the battery is now 85% of original capacity. The 6s is at 96% (will be 2 yrs old in Oct).
Click to expand...

ASUS AI Charger;)
Quick charge your devices when plugged in to your computer.
http://event.asus.com/mb/2010/ai_charger/
 
bufffilm said:
I never understood what the fuss was with quick-charge.

It's one feature I will never use. I will still plug a cable on my next phone. :)
Click to expand...

The fuss is its nice to be able to charge it faster.
If im in a hurry and my phone is running low I'd like to charge it quick.
So for that 10 minutes I have to plug it in before I have to go I'd like the battery to go up by 40% instead of 17%.
No?
 
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Applejuiced said:
The fuss is its nice to be able to charge it faster.
If im in a hurry and my phone is running low I'd like to charge it quick.
So for that 10 minutes I have to plug it in before I have to go I'd like the battery to go up by 40% instead of 17%.
No?
Click to expand...

Like I said...zero interest from me. But I see when it would be useful.

I have a power block that offers >2A charging. It's there for others to use...I never use it. :D
 
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