What is a USB-C charger?
A USB-C charger is a type of USB charger that uses the USB-C connector to power compatible devices. This modern connector has become widely adopted because it’s versatile, reversible, and capable of supporting high-speed data transfer as well as higher power delivery. Thanks to these advantages, many people now rely on USB-C chargers as their main phone charger, iPhone charger, or laptop charger, as long as the device supports USB-C charging. With the ability to deliver more wattage than older USB standards, a USB-C charger is also considered one of the most efficient fast-charging options for today’s electronics.
Is Type-C Charger the same as USB-C?
Yes. “Type-C charger” and “USB-C charger” refer to the same connector type. Both terms describe a charger using the USB-C (USB Type-C) port for charging and data transfer. Whether someone says USB-C phone charger, USB-C iPhone charger, or USB-C fast charger, they are referring to the same connector standard widely used in modern devices.
What is the difference between USB-A and USB-C chargers?
The main differences between USB-A and USB-C chargers lie in their connector types and charging capabilities:
1. Connector Type:
● USB-A chargers use the traditional USB-A connector, which is common on many older devices such as older smartphones, tablets, and external hard drives.
● USB-C chargers utilize the USB-C connector, which is a more advanced and versatile connector capable of reversible plug orientation, high-speed data transfer, and high-power charging. This makes USB-C one of the most popular options for today's USB charger standards. Click to read more: USB Cable Types Guide.
2. Charging Capabilities:
● USB-A connectors typically support lower power charging, resulting in relatively slower charging speeds—especially compared with modern fast charger technology.
● USB-C connectors have higher power transfer capabilities, allowing for faster charging speeds, as well as additional features such as a fast charger, a bidirectional charger, and video output.
Videos
Clearing up some confusion I'm seeing about USB-C speeds regarding charging and data transfers on the iPhone 15 models
Besides Apple, what are some quality USB-C cables by other makers?
The (not so) new USB C standard for charging
USB-C Fast Charger for iPhone X/8 | MacRumors Forums
I posted a version of this earlier in the week but I've cleaned it up to make it easier to read. This may save you money.
CHARGING SPEEDS
The USB-C cable that you use to charge your phone has no affect on charging speeds, because the minimum power delivery of a USB-C cable far exceeds what the iPhone 15 can accept. Officially, all four of the new iPhone 15 models take 20W. Unofficially, it may actually be 27W-35W depending on which source you're reading. All compliant USB-C cables will deliver 60W at minimum.
What matters is the USB-C power adapter you're using at the other end of the USB-C cable. A 35W adapter will cover all possible bases, ensuring that your phone charges as fast as possible. If you have power adapters laying around that deliver even more power, those are fine too. Your iPhone 15 will treat a 240W power adapter exactly the same way as it does a 35W power adapter. It will only draw what it can use.
DATA TRANSFER SPEEDS
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus use USB 2.0 for their USB-C port which has a data transfer limit of 480Mbps. There's no such thing as a modern USB-C cable that will transfer less than that, so any USB-C cable will do.
The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max use USB 3.2 Gen 2 for their USB-C port which has a data transfer limit of 10Gbps. You will have to purchase a USB-C cable that's capable of transferring 10Gbps separately in order to take advantage of this, as the one packaged with the phone is USB 2.0 which will limit you to 480Mbps. Unless I missed it, Apple doesn't sell one. The next step up from their USB-C USB 2.0 cables is Thunderbolt.
Speaking of which...
THUNDERBOLT
Unless you have another use for a Thunderbolt cable, there's no reason to purchase one for your iPhone 15 for charging or transferring data. It offers no benefits, as the power delivery (100W) and data transfer speeds (40Gbps) delivered by Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 far exceed what the iPhone 15 is capable of accepting. Thunderbolt will not charge the battery any faster or transfer speeds any faster on an iPhone 15.
Looking for better quality or more affordable USB-C cables for charging.
Is it correct that the new charging standard is USB C to C or is this just Apple's way of forcing customers to buy new charging adapters and wall sockets?
"All" charge ports are USB A (hotel rooms, planes, traines, wall sockets etc) so why isn't a USB C to A cable being provided instead of an USB C to C?