14 DAY TRIAL // Apple will finally make fast charging fast on the upcoming iPhone generation, as the company will offer USB-C cables and 18W chargers right in the box of new models.
This means that buyers of new iPhones will finally benefit from fast charging performance similar to what you can get right now on Android devices. Fast charging debuted on the iPhone last year with the release of iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus, but it required an additional adapter sold separately.
According to a new report from Japanese site Macotakara, fast charging will be enabled on the upcoming iPhone generation only with certified chargers.
This is certainly a move that makes sense, as Apple wants to offer top performance to buyers, and low-quality cables could reduce the speed of the charging process, eventually causing frustration among iPhone buyers. By purchasing a certified cable, iPhone users will be sure fast charging reaches the maximum power.
Limited output
The cited source also claims that Apple could actually limit the 18W charger that it launches with the new iPhones to just 2.5W in case the cable that is being used does not meet the USB Type-C Authentication standard. In other words, Apple wants both the charger and the cable to be certified in order for the fast charging process to work on the iPhone.
While this is a logical decision for Apple, it also raises questions as to how much customers may have to spend on certified accessories. It’s not a secret that Apple’s accessories are typically more expensive, like the Lightning to headphone adapter that costs $9.99.
Rumor has it that Apple won’t sell the fast charging charger and cable separately at first, keeping them exclusive to the new iPhone series. If this is the case, fast charging could be possible with third-party accessories from certified partners.