What charger does the iPhone 16 use? Complete guide to charging options

It’s important to understand the charging options for your iPhone 16 to make the most of your device. Whether you want to know what charger to use for iPhone 16 or are curious about fast charging and MagSafe compatibility, I’ll cover it all in this comprehensive guide. Keep reading below for everything you need to know about charging your iPhone 16.

The transition to USB-C charging

Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C from the iPhone 15 onwards. Here are some of the key reasons for this transition:

• EU regulations: The European Union mandated USB-C as a universal charging standard to reduce e-waste, prompting Apple to adopt it.
• Improved compatibility: USB-C allows for seamless connectivity with a broader range of devices, including laptops, tablets, and non-Apple accessories.
• Enhanced performance: USB-C supports faster data transfer and charging speeds, catering to the needs of modern users.
• Environmental considerations: Standardizing to USB-C helps minimize redundant cables, aligning with Apple’s sustainability goals.
• User convenience: It simplifies charging and connectivity by using a single port across multiple Apple products.

What charger does the iPhone 16 use?

The iPhone 16 uses a USB-C connector for charging. This is different from the traditional Lightning connector that used to come with iPhone 14 and older. This change aligns with the growing industry trend towards adopting USB-C as a universal charging standard across all devices.

However, it’s vital to note that the iPhone 16 does not come with a power adapter in the box. This is part of Apple’s sustainability efforts to reduce its environmental impact. The iPhone 16 comes with a USB-C charging cable that you can connect with any compatible USB-C power adapter to charge your device.

Here are some options for charging your iPhone 16:

• Apple 20W USB-C power adapter: This compact and efficient charger is designed to deliver fast and reliable charging for Apple devices. It supports USB-C Power Delivery, allowing you to quickly charge your iPhone 16 and other compatible devices like the iPhone 15 and the latest iPads. Since it’s lightweight and portable, it’s an ideal choice for everyday use or travel.
• Other USB-C power adapters: You can use any USB-C power adapter of at least 20W output to charge your iPhone 16. Here are some great options:
  • Anker 20W USB-C Charging Block
  • UGREEN 35W USB-C Charger
  • Belkin 65W Dual USB-Charger
• Wireless charger: The iPhone 16 is compatible with Qi wireless charging as well as Apple’s MagSafe charging technology. This makes it easy to charge using wireless chargers that offer a cable-free experience, ideal for your desk or nightstand. MagSafe chargers snap securely to the back of the device, ensuring optimal alignment and faster charging speeds compared to traditional wireless pads. Here are some top recommendations:
  • Apple MagSafe Charger
  • Spigen Wireless Charging Stand
  • Anker 15W Wireless Charging Pad

It’s strongly recommended to use the official Apple power adapter or a certified third-party adapter to ensure the safe and optimal charging of your iPhone 16 and other devices.

Does the iPhone 16 come with a charger in the box?

Unfortunately, the iPhone 16 does not come with a charger in the box. Apple excludes power adapters to reduce environmental impact, aiming to minimize e-waste and packaging materials. Instead, the box includes a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging. You can pair this cable with a compatible USB-C power adapter or use other charging options like wireless chargers to power your device.

Types of chargers compatible with iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 supports fast charging, enabling it to charge up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes with the appropriate accessories. This feature is ideal for users who need a quick power boost during the day. A full charge to 100 percent takes about 2 hours.

For optimal performance, Apple recommends using a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter. This ensures fast and efficient charging while maintaining the device’s safety. As mentioned above too, here are some of the best charging adapters for iPhone 16:

• Apple 20W USB-C Adapter
• Anker 20W USB-C Charging Block
• UGREEN 35W USB-C Charger
• Belkin 65W Dual USB-Charger

No matter which charger you pick, here are some tips that can help you make the most of fast charging and protect your battery by following these tips:

• Only use Apple-certified or high-quality third-party chargers.
• Avoid exposing your phone to extreme temperatures while charging.
• Enable optimized battery charging in your iPhone’s settings to reduce long-term battery wear.

Can I use my older iPhone charger with the iPhone 16?

Yes, you can use your older iPhone charger with the iPhone 16, but there are some considerations. If your charger uses a USB-A port, you’ll need a USB-A to USB-C cable to connect it to the iPhone 16. However, older chargers may not support fast charging, which is a key feature of the iPhone 16. For the best experience, it’s recommended to use a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter along with a USB-C cable to take full advantage of the device’s fast charging capabilities.

Best iPhone chargers

To make the most of your iPhone 16, here are some of the best chargers you can get to use with the USB-C cable that comes with your device

• Apple 20W USB-C Adapter
• Anker 20W USB-C Charging Block
• UGREEN 35W USB-C Charger
• Belkin 65W Dual USB-Charger
• Spigen 35W USB-C Charger

How to safely charge your iPhone 16

Whether you need to charge your iPhone in the car, at home, or somewhere else, here are some general safety tips you should always keep in mind:

1. Use certified accessories: To avoid damaging your device, always use Apple-certified chargers and cables or trusted third-party brands.
2. Say no to cheap accessories: Third-party chargers or cables from cheap or unknown brands can potentially damage your device or pose a safety risk, so steer clear of these.
3. Use appropriate wattage: For fast charging, use a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter. The iPhone 16 supports fast charging, but if you use a charger with lower wattage, your device will charge slowly.
4. Avoid extreme temperatures: Charge your iPhone in a cool, ventilated area to prevent overheating, which can affect battery health.
5. Unplug when fully charged: While your iPhone can automatically manage overcharging, unplugging when the charge reaches 100% is a good habit that helps maintain battery efficiency in the long run.
6. Avoid using your phone while charging: Heavy use during charging can generate excess heat, which may degrade battery performance over time. So it’s best to leave your phone unused when it’s charging.
7. Enable Optimized Battery Charging: In your iPhone settings, turn on the Optimised Charging feature to slow the charging process past 80% when not immediately needed. This helps extend the battery lifespan.

Signing off…

I hope this guide has clarified that the iPhone 16 requires a USB-C charger for fast and efficient charging. For optimal results, it’s recommended to use a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter. Apple’s shift to USB-C provides enhanced compatibility and faster charging speeds, offering greater convenience for everyone. If you’ve got any further questions, let me know in the comments below, or feel free to share your thoughts about the shift to USB-C.

Also read:

• Is the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro waterproof? What you need to know
• Best cases for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
• iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 15: Which iPhone is best for you?
• What does “Slow Charger” mean on iPhone, and how to fix it