iPhone 15 uses USB-C, not Lightning

All iPhone 15 models — the standard 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max — charge through a USB-C port, not the Lightning connector that older iPhones used. This is the first major change to iPhone charging in over a decade. If you own an iPhone 14 or earlier, your Lightning cables will not work with iPhone 15.

Apple includes a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box with every iPhone 15. You do not need to buy a separate cable to charge your phone out of the box. However, you will need a power adapter (the brick that plugs into the wall) if you do not already own one.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone 15 charges with USB-C cables and adapters, and Lightning cables from older iPhones will not work.
  • Apple includes a USB-C to USB-C cable but not a power adapter in the box, so you may need to buy one separately.
  • Any USB-C power adapter rated 20 watts or higher will charge your iPhone 15, including adapters made by other brands.
  • Wireless charging still works with iPhone 15 using any Qi-certified charger, and the charging speed is the same as before.
  • Fast charging requires both a USB-C cable and a USB-C power adapter rated at least 20 watts.

What power adapters work with iPhone 15

You need a USB-C power adapter to plug into the wall. Apple sells its own adapters in 20-watt, 35-watt, and 67-watt versions. The 20-watt adapter is the minimum for standard charging speed. The 35-watt and 67-watt adapters charge faster, but the difference is only noticeable if you are in a hurry — a 20-watt adapter will fully charge an iPhone 15 in about two hours.

You do not have to buy Apple's adapter. Any USB-C power adapter from another manufacturer will work as long as it is rated for at least 20 watts. Brands like Anker, Belkin, and others make USB-C adapters that are cheaper than Apple's and charge at the same speed. Check the wattage on the adapter's label or product page before buying.

If you already own a USB-C power adapter from a laptop, tablet, or other device, test it with your iPhone 15. Many modern devices use USB-C, so you may already have a compatible adapter at home.

Fast charging and what you need for it

iPhone 15 supports fast charging, which means it can charge from zero to 50 percent in about 30 minutes. To use fast charging, you need two things: a USB-C cable (which comes in the box) and a USB-C power adapter rated at least 20 watts.

The speed difference between a 20-watt adapter and a 35-watt or 67-watt adapter is small for iPhones. A 20-watt adapter reaches about 50 percent charge in 30 minutes. A 35-watt adapter reaches the same point in roughly 25 minutes. If you charge overnight or throughout the day, you will not notice the difference. Fast charging only matters if you need your phone charged quickly before leaving the house.

Charging speed also depends on temperature and what you are doing while charging. If your iPhone is hot or you are using it while it charges, the phone will slow down charging to protect the battery. Closing apps and letting the phone cool down will speed things up.

Wireless charging still works the same way

iPhone 15 still supports wireless charging using the Qi standard. Any Qi-certified wireless charger will work — you do not need a new one if you already own a wireless pad or stand. Wireless charging speed has not changed from iPhone 14, so your old charger will perform the same.

Wireless charging is slower than wired charging. A typical Qi charger takes three to four hours to fully charge an iPhone 15, while a wired USB-C charger does it in two hours or less. Wireless charging is most useful for overnight charging or keeping your phone topped up throughout the day.

What happens to your old Lightning cables and adapters

Lightning cables and adapters from iPhone 14 and earlier will not work with iPhone 15. You cannot use an adapter or a cable to convert between Lightning and USB-C — Apple does not make or support such converters. If you have Lightning cables, you can keep them for older iPhones or donate them, but they serve no purpose with iPhone 15.

If you have a Lightning power adapter, you can still use it to charge other devices that accept USB-A cables, or you can recycle it. Many electronics retailers and municipal recycling programs accept old chargers.

Buying a second charger for home or travel

If you want a charger to leave at your desk, in your car, or in a travel bag, buy a USB-C power adapter rated for at least 20 watts. You can use the cable that came with your iPhone 15, or buy a second USB-C to USB-C cable if you want to leave one plugged in permanently.

For travel, consider a multi-port USB-C adapter so you can charge your iPhone and other devices at the same time. These are widely available and cost less than buying separate adapters for each device. Check that the total wattage is at least 20 watts for your iPhone.

Car chargers also come in USB-C versions now. If your car charger is older and uses USB-A, you will need to replace it or buy a USB-C to USB-A cable adapter (different from a Lightning adapter — these do exist and are inexpensive).

MagSafe and other accessories

iPhone 15 still has MagSafe, the magnetic ring on the back that works with magnetic cases, wallets, and car mounts. MagSafe does not charge your phone — it only holds accessories in place. You still need a USB-C cable and power adapter to charge.

Some MagSafe accessories like magnetic car mounts or wallets work the same way as before. Cases and screen protectors designed for iPhone 14 may not fit iPhone 15 exactly because the camera layout changed, so check compatibility before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my iPhone 14 Lightning charger with iPhone 15?

No. iPhone 15 uses USB-C, and Lightning cables and adapters will not work. You need a USB-C power adapter and a USB-C cable to charge iPhone 15.

Do I have to buy Apple's charger, or can I use a different brand?

You can use any USB-C power adapter from any brand, as long as it is rated for at least 20 watts. Third-party adapters from Anker, Belkin, and others work just as well as Apple's and often cost less.

What is the difference between a 20-watt and a 67-watt charger?

A 67-watt charger is faster but the difference is small for iPhones — roughly 5 to 10 minutes over a full charge. A 20-watt charger is fine for daily use. The higher wattage is more useful if you charge multiple devices at once.

Will my old wireless charger work with iPhone 15?

Yes. iPhone 15 still uses Qi wireless charging, so any Qi-certified charger you own will work. Wireless charging speed has not changed.

What if I lose the USB-C cable that came with my iPhone 15?

Buy a replacement USB-C to USB-C cable. Apple sells them, but cheaper versions from other brands work identically. Make sure it is rated for at least 20 watts if you want fast charging.