When buying a charger for your iPhone or iPad, it is good to know what is available and what one is best for your device. Below is a guide on iPhone and iPad chargers and an explainer on what Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad (MFI) is.
What charger do you need for what iPhone/The different chargers available
There are different Apple chargers available. With Apple chargers, the standard iPhone lightning charger 5 watts (5 volts at 1000 mAh) and an iPad Retina lightning charger come in with 10 watts (5.1 volts at 2100 mAh). For the record, the more powerful iPad charger can connect and charge an iPhone, with some iPhone models getting a quicker charge using the 10-watt charger. The difference is not in the cables but in the power point adapter itself. While the 5-watt iPhone charger can charge the iPad, this is not recommended due to the slow speed the device will charge.
If you have a lightning cable without a power adapter, you can charge your iPhone or iPad using your MacBook or laptop. Note that charging with this method is a lot slower than using an adapter, but if you are without it, this is the best solution for you. It is a lot safer than risking your iPhone or iPad by using a counterfeit product.
So, if you want a charger that charges your device quickly, then get the 10-watt lightning charger. Do not worry as this will not harm your iPhone if it cannot charge quicker. Using genuine Apple products, or third-party accessories with the MFI label will mean that your iPhone or iPad is safe. Moreover, no, using the faster charger will not compromise your battery life – the battery life will remain as it would be if you were using a slower charger.
Third party chargers and adapters are a good answer if you are looking for a charger and are unable to find a genuine Apple charger. You might find yourself on holiday or away from home and need a charger in a hurry, so you are likely to get what you can. There is a range of third-party brands that are reliable and carry the MFI symbol.
Counterfeit accessories are a problem, so if you are unsure of whether a lightning charger is genuine or, MFI certified, then do not make the purchase. A counterfeit charger can ruin your phone, which is a lot worse than not having a charger available.
What is MFI?
MFI stands for Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad. This label means that Apple certifies the Apple charger or accessory you are buying. These accessories are made genuine by Apple or a trusted third party. The packaging will have the MFI symbol on it, the cables will have a serial number, and if it is from Apple it will say “Designed by Apple in California” and “Assembled in China,” “Assembled in Vietnam,” or “Indústria Brasileira”.
When purchasing a lightning power adapter and cable, avoid using eBay or websites that are not trustworthy. Buy your cables, adapters and other accessories from somewhere you know and trust. Take careful note of the packaging, as bad spelling, incorrect symbols, no manufacturer’s label and poor wording can be a sign that something is amiss with the accessory. When in doubt, trust your instinct and wait until you can get a genuine Apple or MFI certified third-party charger.
So, in conclusion, always buy genuine Apple or MFI certified chargers, if you want quicker charging purchase a charger with higher capacity and if you do not trust that a charger is not genuine do not make the purchase.
