Apple charger prices range from $19 to $35 for the power adapter alone, depending on wattage and connector type

An Apple USB-C power adapter costs $19 for 20 watts, $29 for 35 watts, or $35 for 67 watts. If you need a cable too, add another $19 to $25 depending on length and connector. Lightning cables (the older connector) cost $19. The price difference reflects charging speed: a 20-watt adapter charges an iPhone slowly, while 35 or 67 watts charge it much faster and can also power a laptop.

You do not need the highest wattage. Most people use what comes in the box or buy a 20-watt adapter as a spare. The 35 and 67-watt versions matter only if you charge multiple devices at once or want faster charging for an iPad or MacBook.

Third-party chargers from Anker, Belkin, or Amazon Basics cost $10 to $20 and work with iPhones and iPads. They are not made by Apple but meet the same safety standards. Many people buy them for car or travel use because they cost less and Apple does not lose money if they break.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's 20-watt USB-C adapter costs $19 and charges an iPhone at normal speed; you only need higher wattage if you charge multiple devices or own a laptop.
  • Cables cost $19 to $25 separately, so buying a charger and cable together costs $38 to $60 depending on what you choose.
  • Third-party brands like Anker or Belkin offer the same safety certification for $10 to $20 and work just as well for daily use.
  • Older iPhones use Lightning connectors; newer ones use USB-C, so check which port your phone has before buying.

Why Apple chargers cost more than other brands

Apple chargers are more expensive partly because Apple owns the design and sets the price. A Belkin 20-watt USB-C adapter does the same job and costs $12 to $15. The Apple version costs $19 because Apple controls the supply and because people buy it for the brand name.

The real difference is in the cable. Apple's cables are braided nylon and last longer than cheaper plastic cables. If you buy a $19 cable from Apple and a $5 cable from a gas station, the Apple cable will probably still work in two years. That durability costs money to make, though third-party brands like Anker now make durable cables for less.

What wattage you actually need

A 20-watt adapter charges an iPhone 15 from zero to 50 percent in about 30 minutes. A 35-watt adapter does the same in about 20 minutes. The difference matters if you charge your phone while using it, or if you charge it once a day and want it done fast. If you charge overnight, 20 watts is fine.

The 67-watt adapter is for people with a MacBook or iPad Pro. It charges those devices much faster and can charge an iPhone at the same time. If you only own an iPhone, you will never need it.

All Apple chargers work with all iPhones and iPads. A 20-watt adapter will charge an iPhone 16 Pro Max, just slowly. You are not locked into buying the expensive version.

Lightning versus USB-C: which connector your phone uses

iPhones 15 and newer use USB-C. iPhones 14 and older use Lightning, the smaller rectangular connector. If you buy a USB-C charger for an iPhone 12, it will not work. Check your phone's charging port before you buy.

Apple stopped including chargers in the box in 2020, so if you lost yours or bought a used phone, you need to buy one separately. The box will say which connector the phone uses, or you can look at the port itself: USB-C is flat and oval, Lightning is rectangular with eight small pins.

Where to buy and what to expect to pay

Apple's official store sells chargers at the prices listed above. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart sell the same chargers for the same price. Amazon sells them too, but watch for counterfeits — buy only from sellers marked "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com".

Third-party chargers are cheaper and widely available. Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics all make 20-watt USB-C adapters for $10 to $15. They carry the same safety certifications as Apple chargers and work with iPhones and iPads. The main risk is that a cheap charger might fail after a year, but at that price it is not a big loss.

Costco and Sam's Club sometimes sell multi-packs of Apple chargers at a small discount if you have a membership. Otherwise, prices are the same everywhere.

Chargers that come in the box

iPhones 15 and 16 come with a USB-C to USB-C cable but no power adapter. You need to buy the adapter separately. iPads come with a cable and a 20-watt adapter in the box. MacBooks come with a USB-C cable and a 35 or 67-watt adapter depending on the model.

If you already own an Apple device, you probably have a charger that works. A 20-watt adapter from an older iPad works fine with a new iPhone. A 35-watt adapter from a MacBook works too, just faster than necessary.

Wireless charging and MagSafe

iPhones 12 and newer support MagSafe, which is wireless charging with magnets that align the phone perfectly. A MagSafe charger costs $25 to $35 and plugs into a wall outlet like a regular charger. It charges slower than a wired charger — about 15 watts instead of 20 or more — so most people use it for overnight charging or as a desk charger.

You do not need MagSafe. It is a convenience, not a requirement. A regular USB-C charger is faster and cheaper. MagSafe is useful if you charge your phone in the same spot every day, like on a nightstand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Samsung charger with my iPhone?

If the Samsung charger has a USB-C port and your iPhone has USB-C, yes. iPhones 15 and newer accept any USB-C charger that meets safety standards. Older iPhones with Lightning ports need a Lightning cable, which Samsung does not make.

Do I need to buy Apple's charger or can I use a cheaper brand?

Cheaper brands work fine. Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics chargers are certified safe and charge iPhones just as well. The only advantage to Apple's charger is durability and brand consistency. If you want to save money, a third-party 20-watt adapter is a good choice.

Why did Apple stop including chargers in the box?

Apple said it was to reduce waste and packaging size, though it also means people buy chargers separately. If you already own Apple devices, you likely have chargers that work. If not, you have to buy one, which costs Apple nothing but costs you money.

Is a 67-watt charger safe to use with an iPhone?

Yes. iPhones only draw the power they need, so a 67-watt charger will charge an iPhone at normal speed without damage. It is like plugging a lamp into a 20-amp outlet — the lamp only uses what it needs. The charger will not overheat or harm the battery.

What is the difference between USB-C and Lightning?

Lightning is Apple's older connector, used on iPhones 14 and earlier. USB-C is the newer standard that Apple switched to starting with iPhone 15. USB-C is faster, more durable, and works with devices from other companies. Lightning only works with Apple devices.