With the reveal that the iPhone 12 won’t come with a charger, potential buyers are wondering what power adapter and cord they’ll need to supply power to Apple’s latest and greatest device. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t have the best record with making the iPhone’s charging port standards clear.
This list covers the history of iPhone charging ports. We’ve got the details for all of Apple’s phones from the initial release in 2007 to its latest models in 2012.
iPhone 12 charging port specs
We’ll start this list by taking a look at Apple’s newly revealed iPhone 12 lineup. These will be the first iPhones to lack a charger in the box. However, the phones will include a Lightning-to-USB-C cable, which will charge the phone when paired with a compatible power adapter.
Those who are upgrading from an iPhone 11 will already have a compatible adapter. However, pre-iPhone 11 models came with a USB-A power brick, which won’t work with the cord included with the iPhone 12 line without an additional adapter.
Fortunately, even if one doesn’t have a USB-C power adapter, there are plenty available for affordable prices. Just be sure to compare any potential adapter to the specs below to ensure it will charge the iPhone as quickly as possible.
The iPhone 12 lineup consists of:
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
The charging specs are:
- Connector: Lightning
- Charging:
- Fast charging: 20W
- Qi fast wireless charging 15W (includes new Magsafe wireless charger)
All phone models since the introduction of the iPhone 5 in 2012 have used the Lightning connector. Most, if not all, accessories made for the iPhone since then will continue to work with the iPhone 12.
Previous iPhone charging port specs
Apple 30-pin dock connector
The iPhone 1 through the 4S utilized the Apple 30-pin dock connector. This port was shared between the iPhone and iPod lines until 2012, when the iPhone 5 introduced the Lightning port.
The 30-pin connector is analogous to USB 2.0 and faces many of the limitations that standard does. It maxes out at 5W at 1A and was discontinued alongside the iPod Classic in 2014.
