Apple, End the Delayed Charging Speeds
In a potential shift from its current policy, Apple may include fast-charging accessories with its upcoming iPhone series. This change, if confirmed, would mark a significant improvement for users, as the USB-C to Lightning cable and USB-C 18W adapter, necessary for fast-charging an iPhone 8 or later, are typically sold separately and can cost upwards of $50.
Apple's recent trend of shipping iPhones without power adapters or cables in the box has been met with criticism. The tech giant, known for its innovation, has been encouraged to ensure its technology performs as intended without the need for additional purchases.
The Verge has noted that Apple shipping with upgraded charging accessories would allow its technology to speak for itself without requiring customers to purchase additional add-ons. A report from the Japanese site Mac Otakara suggests that Apple will include the necessary goods for fast charging - a USB-C to Lightning cable and the USB-C 18W adapter - with its next series of iPhones.
If this change occurs, users could plug their iPhones directly into their laptops without needing a separate cord. It's important to note that newer iPhones (like iPhone 15 and later) are moving towards USB-C ports, reducing the use of Lightning cables.
However, as of August 2025, Apple typically does not include any charging adapter or cable in the iPhone box for recent models. The USB-C to Lightning cable and USB-C power adapters (including 18W or higher) are sold separately. Apple's current shipping of phones includes a standard 5W charging cube.
Gizmodo tested the charging capabilities offered by various power adapters that aren't included with an iPhone and found that anything above a 12-watt charger delivered far faster charging for an iPhone 8 or later. Apple states that iPhone 8 or later can be fast-charged with a USB-C to Lightning cable and any one of the following power adapters: 18W, 29W, 30W, 61W, or 87W USB-C Power Adapter.
Apple did not immediately return a request for comment regarding the cost and inclusion of fast-charging accessories with its next series of iPhones. The cost of the accessories necessary for fast-charging an iPhone can be upwards of $50, and when purchased separately from Apple, the USB-C to Lightning cable and USB-C 18W adapter can cost close to a grand for some iPhone models.
This potential change aligns with market listings and recent Apple accessory policies visible as of August 2025. If confirmed, it would be a welcome move for many users, streamlining the charging process and reducing costs. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
- The potential inclusion of fast-charging accessories with the upcoming iPhone series, as suggested by Mac Otakara, could be a significant move by Apple, following Gizmodo's findings that anything above a 12-watt charger delivers faster charging for iPhone 8 or later models.
- The tech community has voiced criticism over Apple's current policy of not including power adapters or cables in the iPhone box, with many users finding the cost of necessary accessories, such as the USB-C to Lightning cable and USB-C 18W adapter, to be prohibitive.
- If Apple decides to include fast-charging accessories with its future iPhone series, as indicated by market listings and recent Apple accessory policies, it could mark a substantial step towards improving the tech giant's reputation for user-friendly technology and reducing costs associated with owning a smartphone.
