New iPhones have not included a charger since 2020

Apple stopped putting chargers in the iPhone box starting with the iPhone 12 in October 2020. Every iPhone model since then — the 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 — ships with only the phone itself, a USB-C to Lightning cable (or USB-C to USB-C on iPhone 15 and later), and documentation. You need to buy a power adapter separately, or use one you already own.

The stated reason was environmental: fewer chargers in boxes means less packaging waste and lower shipping weight. The practical effect is that you cannot plug your new iPhone in without buying an adapter first, unless you happen to have a compatible one at home.

This applies to every iPhone 12 and newer, regardless of which carrier you buy from or which country you are in. The rule is consistent across all storage sizes and colors.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones from the iPhone 12 onward do not include a power adapter in the box, only a cable.
  • You need a USB-C power adapter to charge an iPhone 15 or 16, or a Lightning adapter for iPhone 12 through 14.
  • Apple sells official adapters, but third-party adapters from other manufacturers work and often cost less.
  • If you have an older iPhone charger at home, it may work with your new phone depending on the cable type and iPhone model.

Which cable comes with your iPhone

iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 come with a USB-C to USB-C cable. This is the newer standard and charges faster than the older Lightning connector. If you have a USB-C power adapter from a laptop, tablet, or other device, you can use it with your new iPhone right away.

iPhone 12, 13, and 14 come with a USB-C to Lightning cable. This cable has a USB-C connector on one end (the power adapter side) and a Lightning connector on the other (the phone side). You need a USB-C power adapter to use this cable. An older Lightning-to-Lightning cable will not work because the power adapter end is different.

What power adapters work with your iPhone

For iPhone 15 and 16: Any USB-C power adapter will work. This includes chargers from MacBooks, iPads, Android phones, and third-party brands. Apple sells a 20-watt USB-C adapter for about $19, but adapters from Anker, Belkin, and other makers are often cheaper and perform the same function.

For iPhone 12, 13, and 14: You need a USB-C power adapter. The same third-party options work here. Apple's 20-watt adapter is compatible. Do not use an old Lightning power adapter — it will not fit the USB-C end of the cable that comes in the box.

Wattage matters for speed but not safety. A 20-watt adapter charges faster than a 5-watt one, but using a lower-wattage adapter will not damage your phone — it will just charge more slowly. Using a higher-wattage adapter is fine; your iPhone will only draw the power it needs.

Can you use an older charger you already own

If you have a USB-C power adapter from another device — a recent iPad, a MacBook, an Android phone, or a gaming device — it will work with your new iPhone. USB-C is a universal standard, so the adapter does not need to be made by Apple.

If you have an older Lightning power adapter from an iPhone 11 or earlier, it will not work with iPhone 12 through 14 because those phones use a USB-C to Lightning cable, not a Lightning-to-Lightning cable. The connector on the adapter end is different.

If you have an iPhone 15 or 16, older adapters are less likely to be useful because they probably use Lightning or micro-USB, not USB-C. Check what connector your old adapter has. If it is USB-C, it will work.

Where to buy a power adapter

Apple sells official adapters on its website and in its stores. A 20-watt USB-C adapter costs about $19. A faster 30-watt adapter costs about $29. These are reliable but not the only option.

Third-party adapters from Anker, Belkin, Amazon Basics, and other brands are widely available at electronics retailers, big-box stores, and online marketplaces. They typically cost $10 to $20 for a 20-watt model. Look for adapters that say they are USB-C and check the wattage — 20 watts is standard and sufficient for iPhones.

Some retailers bundle a charger with the phone at the point of sale, so ask when you buy. Wireless carriers sometimes include an adapter as a promotion, though this is not may provide.

Fast charging and wireless charging

iPhones support fast charging with a USB-C power adapter rated 20 watts or higher. The phone itself determines how fast it charges; a more powerful adapter does not force faster charging than the phone can handle. iPhone 12 through 16 all support the same fast-charging speeds.

All recent iPhones also support wireless charging with a Qi-compatible charging pad or stand. You can buy these separately from Apple or third-party makers. Wireless charging is slower than wired charging but does not require a cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old iPhone charger with my new iPhone?

It depends on which iPhone you had and which one you have now. If your old phone was an iPhone 11 or earlier, its Lightning adapter will not work with iPhone 12 through 14 because those models use USB-C cables. If your old adapter is USB-C, it will work with any current iPhone.

Do I have to buy an Apple charger or can I use a different brand?

You can use any USB-C power adapter, including third-party brands. Apple's adapters are reliable but not required. Third-party adapters from established makers like Anker or Belkin work the same way and often cost less.

What wattage power adapter should I buy?

A 20-watt adapter is the standard and works well for iPhones. Higher wattages like 30 or 65 watts will also work but cost more and do not charge your phone any faster. Lower wattages like 5 watts will work but charge more slowly.

Is it bad to use a more powerful charger than Apple recommends?

No. Your iPhone will only draw the power it needs, regardless of the adapter's maximum wattage. Using a 65-watt adapter will not damage a phone designed for 20 watts. The phone controls how much current it accepts.

Why did Apple stop including chargers?

Apple cited environmental reasons — fewer chargers in boxes means less packaging waste and lower shipping weight. The change also reduced the cost of the phone itself, though the savings were not passed to customers.