Questions & Answers for Apple 12W USB Power Adapter

An iPad requires at least 10W to charge at full speed. The 5W charger, when used with an iPad will cause it to display a "not charging" message - it will actually charge, but very slowly. Your iPhone will probably charge at the same speed with either adapter.

WRT the plug, the 5W adapter has a US-standard plug. You will need an adapter to plug it into any other country's outlets. The circuitry is universal, so you can use a simply adapter and won't need a voltage converter outside of the US.

The 12W adapter comes with a US-standard plug, but it is removable. You can attach a cord/plug (like those the laptop chargers include) or use Apple's international plugs, if you are so inclined.

WRT durability, I've never had a problem with any of Apple's chargers. But make sure you're buying an actual Apple product. There are a lot of third-party knock-offs that look similar, but are lousy quality. Given that it's often impossible to know until after you make your purchase, I would recommend only buying Apple chargers directly from Apple.

WRT compatbility, These chargers should work with any USB device. Given that a standard USB port supplies only 2.5W, you should be able to use either Apple charger with any device that can charge from a computer's port. I would recommend using the 12W adapter with anything that may require high power of if you're not sure. Fortunatley, they both cost the same price ($20 right now), so there's really no reason not to get the 12W model, unless you really want a very small device.

• Answered by David C from Purcellville
• 05-Dec-2014
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (What is the difference between this 12W USB Power Adapter and the 5W USB Power Adapter, i.e. speed of charging, plug, durability, compatibility?)

yes it does you need the cable for the device and attach it to the Apple 12W USB Power Adapter

• Answered by Gabriel H from Elizabeth
• 16-Dec-2012
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (does this work with ipod 5th generation what else do i need)

Any of the iPad adapters will work for the iPads. You can purchase this 12w adapter and just use a 30-pin USB cable with it. It will draw as much power as it needs to (since the iPad 1 uses 10 watts, it will draw 10 from this).

• Answered by Aric D from Holt
• 25-Mar-2013
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (what power adapter do i need for ipad gen 1)

No, it will not damage the device as the device negotiates the correct wattage, voltage, and amperage with the charger

• Answered by Lucus E from Wausau
• 11-Jun-2014
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (I notice the charger for a Iphone 4 is 5w 5v and 1amp. Wouldn't this charger damage an iphone 4? Surely the faster charging speed is bad for it?)

No, it comes with a 10 watt charger.

• Answered by Surya K from Vancouver
• 28-Sep-2015
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (Does the new mini iPad 4 come with a 12 watt charger)

All Apple power adapters are rated with a AC voltage ranging from 110 V all the way up to 240 V. This way, you can use them everywhere on Earth.

• Answered by Xavier J from Kansas City
• 22-May-2017
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (Can the charger be used in the USA (110V) given I have an adapter but not a voltage converter)

Yes. I have the 7plus too. this charger charges the 7plus from dead to 100% in 2.5hr. If memory serves me right, the standard iphone charger charges it in 4hr.

• Answered by Enoch W from Melbourne
• 28-Mar-2017
• Flag as inappropriate Answer (Will this charge the iPhone 7 Plus faster than the charger included? If yes is it noticeably fatser?)