Can You Charge the iPhone 15 with a Non-Original Cable?

The new iPhone 15, released in the fall of 2023, is Apple’s first smartphone to feature a USB-C port. This change sparked a debate among experts and Apple enthusiasts about the implications of using non-original USB-C cables, particularly those from Android devices, for charging.

The Background of the Debate:

Previously, iPhones came with a Lightning-to-USB cable, which Apple recommended for charging iPhone 14 and earlier models. Unlike cheaper third-party cables, the original Lightning cables include chips that protect the device from voltage surges.

Certified accessories with the MFi (Made For iPod, iPhone, and iPad) label are also safe to use. MFi is a certification program launched by Apple in 2005, ensuring that products from licensed manufacturers meet Apple’s high standards. These cables are guaranteed to work correctly with Apple devices.

The Current Situation:

With the iPhone 15, Apple replaced the Lightning port with a more widely used USB-C port. Unlike the Lightning cables, the new USB-C cables do not contain the protective chips. This raises the question: can you use existing USB-C cables from Android devices to charge the iPhone 15 and transfer data?

The Answer:

Yes, you can use USB-C cables from other devices to charge your iPhone 15 and transfer data. However, the quality and safety of the charging experience may vary depending on the cable. To ensure proper charging and to avoid potential issues:

• Opt for Certified Cables: Look for USB-C cables that are certified to meet USB-C specifications. Although these might not have the MFi certification, reputable brands that follow USB-C standards will generally provide reliable performance.
• Be Cautious with Cheap Cables: Avoid using very cheap or poorly made cables, as they may not provide adequate protection against voltage surges and could potentially damage your device.

Using a non-original USB-C cable for your iPhone 15 is feasible, but opting for high-quality or certified cables is always a better choice for optimal performance and safety.

What Does Apple Say?

User concerns are understandable. On one hand, there are claims that the Type-C port in the iPhone 15 has a smaller gap between contacts compared to Android smartphones, which could potentially cause overheating issues. On the other hand, some users have successfully charged their iPhones and iPads using cables from devices like the DualSense game controller without any problems. Who should you believe?

To clear up the confusion, let’s refer to the official information from Apple’s website. While Apple’s official support documents recommend using their own cables, they do not explicitly prohibit the use of third-party chargers for the iPhone 15.

The reputable tech site Arstechnica confirms this information. Apple has not restricted the USB-C interface’s compatibility with non-original cables. The iPhone 15 models are fully compatible with any Type-C cables.

Additional Information:

• For fast charging all iPhone 15 models, the adapter must have a power output of at least 18W and support the Power Delivery (PD) protocol.
• For fast data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, which are supported only by the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the cable must comply with USB 3 standards or higher.

Selection of the Best USB-C Cables for iPhone 15

It turns out that the main rule is simple: avoid purchasing low-quality cables. Their only advantage—low price—can lead to significant problems: the smartphone may malfunction, damage the battery, overheat, or even pose serious health risks.

The problem is that visually, it’s almost impossible to determine a cable’s reliability. Therefore, we recommend buying either original Apple cables or third-party cables from reputable manufacturers.

In the iSpace catalog, you’ll find only reliable brands and high-quality accessories that are safe to use with your iPhone 15. These brands are also recommended by Apple: Anker, Satechi, Ugreen, Native Union, Ubear, VLP.