A USB-C power adapter is needed, Apple says

Sep 14, 2017 05:51 GMT  ·  By

One of the features coming to the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 lineup and which Apple didn’t talk about during the September 12 event (pretty much because it’s been available on Android devices for many years already) is fast charging, which is supposed to give your phone some extra juice quicker than the standard charging.

All the new iPhones support fast charging, so no matter if you go for the iPhone 8, the iPhone 8 Plus, or the iPhone X, you still get this feature.

And according to Apple, there’s a good chance to be quite pleased with how fast charging works on the new models, as the official figures point to a 50 percent charging level in just 30 minutes.

$49 to enable fast charging

But there’s a catch, as fast charging actually requires special hardware that you won’t be getting in the box with your new iPhone. A USB-C power adapter is needed for fast charging, Apple says. Here’s an excerpt from Apple’s specifications:

“Testing conducted by Apple in August 2017 using preproduction iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X units and software and accessory Apple USB-C Power Adapters (29W Model A1540, 61W Model A1718, 87W Model A1719). Fast-charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Charge time varies with environmental factors; actual results will vary.”

In case you’re wondering, the 29W USB-C Power Adapter costs $49 from Apple, so you’ll have to pay extra to enjoy this feature.

“The Apple 29W USB-C Power Adapter offers fast, efficient charging at home, in the office or on the go. While the power adapter is compatible with any USB-C–enabled device, Apple recommends pairing it with your iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X to take advantage of the fast-charging feature. USB-C to Lightning Cable sold separately,” Apple says.

For what it’s worth, the iPhone 8/X fast charging figures match those of Samsung’s Galaxy models, but as compared to Apple, the South Korean firm offers a fast charger right in the box of its smartphones, so you’ll get this feature without having to spend extra.