Starting with iPhone 12, Apple no longer includes wall adapters in every box as it moves to reduce package waste (and make some cash on accessories). Its newest smartphones—including the iPhone 14 lineup announced this week—also include support for Apple's magnetic MagSafe charging. Here's what you need to know about charging your iPhone 12, iPhone 13, or iPhone 14, and what you might need to purchase.
What Comes With the iPhone 14?
The iPhone 14 box includes the phone itself, a USB-C to Lightning Cable, and instructions.(Credit: PCMag / Apple)
The newest iPhones come with a USB-C-to-Lightning cable, and that’s pretty much it. Out of the box, those who don't have any Apple power adapters will need a USB-C power adapter to charge.
Plus, the newer iPhones ship without EarPods, so you'll need to supply your own headphones to listen to music and podcasts. Apple sells its own AirPods wireless earbuds (and second-gen AirPods Pro launch next week), but there are plenty of alternatives that won't break the bank, not to mention our picks for best wireless headphones and those made with runners in mind.
As Apple explained during its iPhone 12 event a few years ago, excluding the power adapter reduces the size of the box. This means 70% more devices can fit on a shipping pallet on their way to users, allowing the company to stock shelves faster and reduce yearly carbon emissions by 2 million metric tons, it says.
How Do I Charge the iPhone 14?
Recent iPhones have a Lightning port on the bottom edge, like the iPhone 13 pictured here.(Photo: Molly Flores)
Unlike most new Android phones, Apple has not fully transitioned the iPhone to USB-C—which typically provides faster charging speeds—so the iPhone 14 still includes the typical Lightning charge port. This means you can use an existing Lightning cable and traditional USB-A wall adapter to charge. With the included USB-C-to-Lightning cable, though, you can also plug your iPhone directly into your Mac or another device like a lamp (Opens in a new window)or light switch(Opens in a new window) that has a USB-C port.
Additionally, the newest iPhones are compatible with Qi wireless charging pads. However, Apple's main focus for charging is its built-in, fast charging MagSafe magnetic power connector.
What Is MagSafe?

For years, Apple used the term MagSafe to describe its computers' charging cable connectors. Their magnetized tips “snapped” into the magnetized MacBook charging ports—and snapped out if disturbed so as not to bring a Mac laptop crashing to the floor, for example. They disappeared a few years ago as Apple transitioned the MacBook lineup to USB-C charging and data transfer, but returned last fall in the M1 Pro/M1 Max-based MacBooks as "MagSafe 3."
Apple offers a similar technology in recent iPhones in the form of a magnetized “hockey puck” disc that looks like a big Apple Watch charger and snaps to the rear of the phone. This MagSafe connector includes a USB-C cord that plugs into a power source and charges at 15W.
What's the Fastest Way to Charge the iPhone 14?
Since iPhone 5, Apple has shipped its iPhones(Opens in a new window) with a 5W USB power adapter in the box, with the exception of the iPhone 11 Pro andPro Max, which shipped with an 18W USB-C power adapter. (Apple's iPads also ship with 10W or 12W USB or 18W or 20W USB-C power adapters, depending on the model.) So unless you bought your first iPhones after the iPhone 12, you probably have one of them lying around.
Since iPhone 8, meanwhile, Apple's smartphones have supported fast charging, which allows for a 50% charge in 30 minutes. But for fast charging to work, you have to use an Apple USB-C-to-Lightning cableand one of these adapters: Apple 18W, 29W, 30W, 61W, 87W or 96W USB-C Power Adapter; or a third-party USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD).
Apple iPhone 8 and above also support Qi wireless charging(Opens in a new window), which charges those iPhones at 7.5W via a supported wireless charging pad. To get even faster wireless charging speeds than a Qi charger, the Apple-branded MagSafe (Opens in a new window)charging system will power up your phone at 15W.
Plus, the magnetic snap of MagSafe ensures your phone is actually charging, unlike a Qi charger which can slip out of place, leaving you scrambling for power at the last second.
So, if you have a 5W charging adapter, a Qi wireless charging pad, and the MagSafe connector, MagSafe will deliver the fastest, most reliable charging times. The question is whether it's worth an extra $39(Opens in a new window) for the MagSafe connector. If you're always in need of a charge, the answer might be yes. For others, an existing power adapter or charging pad might do the trick, and that $40 is better spent on a rugged case to protect your pricey new smartphone.
What Do I Need to Buy?
(Image: Apple)
If you already have an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning cable, you don't need to buy anything. Plug the power adapter you already own into the wall, plug the Lightning end into your iPhone 14, and you're ready to go.
If you want the MagSafe charger to experience the “snap” effect that secures and charges your phone, it will cost an additional $39(Opens in a new window) for the charger and 1m USB-C integrated cable (you have other options, too). Apple also sells a foldable MagSafe Duo Charger(Opens in a new window) that includes a dock for your Apple Watch for $129.
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For a faster charging experience than Apple's 5W power adapter, a separate 20-watt USB-C power adapter(Opens in a new window) can be used for both the supplied Lightning-to-USB-C cable and the MagSafe charger. Previously $29, you can now get it for $19.
Though you will be getting a Lightning-to-USB-C cable with the iPhone 14, Apple also sells longer Lightning-to-USB-C cables; grab them in 1m(Opens in a new window) or 2m(Opens in a new window) lengths for $19 and $29, respectively. You can find cheaper ones on Amazon(Opens in a new window), too.
Does MagSafe Work With a Case?

Short answer: Yes. But there are caveats.
Those who want to protect their iPhone 14 with a case and make use of MagSafe magnetic charging will need a MagSafe-compatible accessory. Naturally, Apple sells several MagSafe-compatible cases(Opens in a new window) and a magnetic wallet(Opens in a new window). Third parties, like Belkin and Otterbox, have their own MagSafe products, too.
MagSafe leather wallet (Image: Apple)
If you have a non-MagSafe case without the magnet, you should be able to charge it with the MagSafe charger as it's Qi wireless compatible, but it won't snap on to the case.
Does MagSafe Work With Older iPhone Models?
While the MagSafe charger was designed to work with the iPhone 12 and above, it's technically compatible with older phones that support wireless charging, as well as AirPods models with a wireless charging case (see officially compatible models below).
However, since these older phone models do not have the magnetic feature on the back of the device, you won't be able to "snap" your iPhone into its ideal charging position. Only the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 lineups support that. Any other phone (even some Android phones(Opens in a new window)) can simply be placed on the MagSafe connector, but it will not lock into place.
Supported iPhone Models
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13
iPhone12 Pro
iPhone12 Pro Max
iPhone12 mini
(Video) Why Apple Changed The iPhone's ChargeriPhone12
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone SE (2ndgeneration)
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone X
iPhone 8
iPhone 8 Plus
Supported AirPods Models
AirPods Pro (including 2nd generation(Opens in a new window))
AirPods (3rdgeneration)
AirPods with Wireless Charging Case (2ndgeneration)
Wireless Charging Case for AirPods
Hands On With the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Lineup
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FAQs
No Charger in the Box? Everything You Need to Know About iPhone 14 Charging? ›
As part of our efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max do not include a power adapter or EarPods. Included in the box is a USB‑C to Lightning Cable that supports fast charging and is compatible with USB‑C power adapters and computer ports.
Why does iPhone 14 not come with charger? ›As part of our efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max do not include a power adapter or EarPods. Included in the box is a USB‑C to Lightning Cable that supports fast charging and is compatible with USB‑C power adapters and computer ports.
Why does iPhone 14 need a different charger? ›Your iPhone 14 includes a cable, but no charger. The new cable won't fit on your old USB-A charger. That's why you'll probably need a new charger.
Why is there no charger in iPhone box? ›As Apple explained during its iPhone 12 event a few years ago, excluding the power adapter reduces the size of the box. This means 70% more devices can fit on a shipping pallet on their way to users, allowing the company to stock shelves faster and reduce yearly carbon emissions by 2 million metric tons, it says.
Can I charge new iPhone with old charger? ›But one question that everyone is thinking about is can their new iPhones be charged by their old chargers. And the answer to this question is yes you can do so. If you already have an iPhone charger then you don't need to buy a new one.
What charger should I use for iPhone 14? ›Apple 20W USB-C power adapter.
What is the point of MagSafe Charger? ›The MagSafe Charger is designed to quickly and safely wirelessly charge your iPhone. The system intelligently adapts to conditions in order to optimize charging your iPhone at up to 15W of peak power delivery for faster wireless charging.
Is the MagSafe Charger better than the regular charger? ›MagSafe vs.
Testing suggests the MagSafe Charger charges a compatible iPhone less than half as fast than a wired 20W USB-C charger. With the 20W charger, a dead iPhone was able to charge to 50 percent in 28 minutes, and the same 50 percent charge took an hour over MagSafe.
Conclusion. As you can see, charging your iPhone 14 Pro in your car is easy. All you need is an adapter, USB-C cable, and a car charger and mount. Once you connect the adapter to the cigarette lighter port, you are good to go.
Is it OK to charge iPhone 14 overnight? ›It is generally not recommended to leave your smartphone, including an iPhone, charging overnight on a regular basis. This is because lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in smartphones, can be damaged by overcharging, which can result in reduced battery capacity and shorter overall battery life.
Why is Apple changing to USB-C? ›
EU lawmakers argue this move will help cut down on e-waste and ensure people only have to carry a single charger for all their devices. At present nearly every modern Android device uses the USB-C chargers along with Apple's own iPad tablets.
Is iPhone 14 waterproof? ›These models have a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes): iPhone 14. iPhone 14 Plus.
Why did Apple stop giving chargers? ›Some Android brands are providing free fast chargers of up to 65W. However, this is where Apple decided to cut costs. If a 5W charger is not of little use and adds to the e-waste, then Apple could have started to provide free 20W.
Why is there no charger in box? ›What actually happens, is that because a customer expects his new device to recharge at the highest possible rate, and smartphone manufacturers improve the charging abilities of their devices year on year, customers end up buying the latest charger, separately, with its own packaging, and shipping.
Is Apple selling phones without chargers? ›While Apple maintains that its decision to ship iPhones without chargers is about reducing carbon emissions, the Brazilian court's reasoning is that the company "imposes on the consumer a required purchase of charger adaptors that were previously supplied along with the product."
What happens if you use an old charger on a new phone? ›Your new phone and your old charger are likely different voltages. New phones will likely recognize old chargers at lower voltages than the charger designed to go with the phone. However, the phone will adjust to the old charger's voltage, meaning that the phone itself and the battery will not be harmed.
When should I charge my iPhone 14? ›It's best to charge it when it goes below 20%, primarily to avoid the risk of it going to zero when you don't have a charger available, and to prevent unexpected shutdowns when you might need the phone.
Does iPhone 14 need 30W charger? ›While charging speeds for the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro remain to be seen, the 30W adapter should be the best choice for those devices too.
What is USB-C to Lightning? ›With a USB-C to Lightning cable, you can charge and sync your AirPods, AirPods Pro, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, charge a Siri Remote, and more. Here's what you can do with a USB-C to Lightning cable: Charge your AirPods, AirPods Pro, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when it's connected to a USB-C port.
Do I really need a MagSafe Charger? ›Is a MagSafe case worth it? We say yes! In addition to fast wireless charging and flexible mounting, MagSafe simplifies everyday life and also offers a variety of practical accessories for your iPhone 12, 13 & 14. Of course, the decision is ultimately up to you and depends on your individual needs.
Do I really need a MagSafe case? ›
To answer your question about whether you need a MagSafe case for wireless charging or not; the answer is no. In spite of that, MagSafe enhanced cases charge your phone much faster than regular cases and offer a number of benefits that we discussed above.
Is MagSafe actually useful? ›Is MagSafe worth it? For those who are looking for a secure connection with easy setup and removal of accessories, the answer is yes. With its convenience and safety, MagSafe is a great choice for connecting your devices quickly and securely.
Can you leave iPhone on MagSafe overnight? ›You can continue charging your iPhone 12 Pro on the MagSafe charger for as long as you like. There are safety circuits built into your iPhone to prevent any damage related to charging. You will be fine charging your iPhone all night.
What's the difference between MagSafe and Lightning charging case? ›Both MagSafe and Lightning have their advantages and disadvantages. MagSafe offers the convenience of wireless charging and a sleek design, while Lightning provides faster charging speeds and broader compatibility. Your choice should be based on your personal preferences, charging needs, and device compatibility.
What is the difference between MagSafe and non MagSafe? ›The main difference between a MagSafe case and a non-MagSafe case is the ring of magnets that allow you to attach other accessories. But it's more complex than slapping on some magnets - specific thicknesses and specifications must be met to comply with Apple's standards.
Can I use old car charger for iPhone 14? ›So, to answer one of the frequently asked questions since the launch of the iPhone 14 series: yes, you can charge your iPhone 14 model with your old charger provided you already have a previously used iPhone or iPad with a lightning cable.
What happens if you keep your iPhone charging after 100? ›Modern smartphones have optimized batteries that will stop drawing power once they reach 100 percent. However, when you leave it on the charger, the phone will inevitably lose a little bit of power as it sits there because that's just what batteries do.
Does the iPhone 14 last all day? ›Yet despite this, it delivers really strong battery life — easily delivering over a day's worth of use on a single charge, or two if you aren't on it constantly. I'm fine with the iPhone 14 Pro not lasting two days on a single charge; I never expected it to do that.
What percent should I unplug my iPhone? ›Do not fully charge or fully discharge your device's battery — charge it to around 50 percent. If you store a device when its battery is fully discharged, the battery could fall into a deep discharge state, which renders it incapable of holding a charge.
Is iPhone 15 coming out? ›Release Date
The iPhone 15 models will likely be released in September 2023 if Apple follows its traditional September launch timeline.
Is Apple getting rid of the Lightning cable? ›
Most Android handsets already use USB-C which means that they will not be affected at all. Apple has already decided not to fight the change which will end the use of its proprietary Lightning port.
What does a USB-C port look like? ›The USB-C connector looks similar to a micro USB or rectangular USB 3.0 connectors at first glance, though it's more oval in shape and slightly thicker to accommodate its best feature: flippability. Like Lightning and MagSafe, the USB-C connector has no up or down orientation.
Is iPhone 14 worth buying? ›The Apple iPhone 14 may not be the best option for every smartphone user in February 2023. Compared to previous details, the design of the Apple iPhone 14 is not very inventive, as it closely resembles the iPhone 13, including the notch. However, it does have a solid aluminum and glass body, which is fairly attractive.
Is the iPhone 14 worth it? ›The bottom line: If you're still holding onto your iPhone 7, there's no question that you're due for an upgrade. A better screen, compatibility with iOS 16, longer battery life and more advanced cameras are just a few of the gains the iPhone 14 has to offer over the iPhone 7.
Can you put iPhone 14 in shower? ›The iPhone 14 can withstand ambient moisture from your hot shower but avoid any saunas with it if possible.
Is Apple getting sued for no charger? ›Apple is being sued for no longer including a charger with the iPhone. Elizabeth Steines, the plaintiff in the iPhone charger class action, claims that Apple began selling iPhones without the charger in 2021, and that this was not adequately disclosed to consumers. In the class action lawsuit, filed Dec.
Why did Apple remove the headphone jack? ›Removing the jack makes accommodating a larger battery, storage drive, and other components easier. In many cases, the jack is replaced with an additional phone speaker. This makes it much easier to design devices that provide stereo audio when used in landscape mode.
When did Apple remove the charger from the box? ›When Apple launched the iPhone 12 last year, it made one major change in the phone's packaging: it removed the charger and the Earpods from the box. At the time, the iPhone maker had said that the decision had been made keeping in view the company's environmental goals.
Why does my new phone come without a charger? ›Samsung smartphones come with a USB Type-C data cable, but they do not come with earphones or a charger plug in the box because we want to minimise the impact our products have on the environment. More and more Galaxy users are making sustainable choices in their daily lives to promote better recycling habits.
What is the penalty for Apple charger? ›Apple sold iPhone without free charger; court slaps $1000 PENALTY.
Does iPhone 14 have back charging? ›
All devices in the iPhone 14 series support wireless charging, although reverse wireless charging is conspicuous by its absence from the entire lineup. That means while all devices in the iPhone 14 series can be charged wirelessly, they cannot be used to charge other devices, like an Apple Watch or AirPods.
Why do new phones not come with chargers? ›Manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung say doing so cuts back on electronic waste as most folks already have a bunch of chargers. But you and I know the decision really is a way to cut expenses. Plus, device makers can make a little spare change selling chargers as an accessory.
Can iPhone 13 be charged with old charger? ›Any previous iPhone charger you've used in the past to charge an iPhone will be fine. If the charging brick is USB A to lightning, as was the case with older charging bricks its fine to use with iPhone 13. You only need a 20W USB C brick if you want to use Fast Charging on your iPhone 13.