Apple could optimize the fast-charging performance of MFi-certified USB-C power bricks for the iPhone 15. The company is expected to ditch the Lightning connector and transition to USB-C on its 2023 iPhone lineup.
Due to this change, Apple reportedly expects a strong demand boost for its 20W USB-C charger.
Fast charging the iPhone 15 may not be as simple
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims Apple increased the shipment forecast of its 20W USB-C power adapter by 120% for Q2 and Q3 2023. Thanks to the potentially strong demand from iPhone 15 customers, the company reportedly expects to ship 70 million chargers in Q3.
The demand will be led by Apple optimizing the fast charging speed of MFi-certified chargers for iPhone 15. The 20W USB-C power brick is currently the most affordable in Apple’s lineup. So, it is not surprising that the company expects demand to get a massive boost after the iPhone 15’s launch. In 2023, Apple could ship as many as 230 million to 240 million power bricks, according to Kuo.
Thanks to a European Union mandate, Apple plans to switch to USB-C on the iPhone 15 lineup this year. But if you were expecting to use your current USB-C power brick and cable to fast-charge the phone, that seemingly might not be the case.
Due to Apple’s MFi limitation, the iPhone 15 lineup could charge more slowly than usual with non-certified power bricks. This could force you to buy a new USB-C brick for your iPhone, even if you already have several lying around.
Apple currently has an MFi certification program for Lightning accessories for iPhones. Any non-MFi-certified cable or Lightning accessory could cause issues with your iPhone.
iPhone 15 charging speeds could remain the same as iPhone 14
Currently, regular iPhone 14 models support 20W charging speeds, while the Pro models top out at 27W. You must use a USB-C power brick and an MFi-certified Lightning-to-USB-C cable to achieve these speeds.
Based on Kuo’s analysis, it seems like iPhone 15’s charging speed will remain unchanged. Apple currently ships newer iPhones with a USB-C-to-Lightning cable in the box. The company stopped bundling a power brick adapter starting with the iPhone 12’s launch in 2020.
