What Type is the iPhone 17 Charger? Is It Different?

The iPhone 17 is expected to bring a variety of changes on its September 9 launch date this year. This includes everything from a ProMotion display, a powerful A19 chip, and an upgraded 24 MP Front selfie camera to a completely new device — the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air.

Another area that could see several upgrades is charging. Unfortunately, the iPhone 17 won’t offer huge 5000 to 6000 mAh battery capacities like some Android phones. However, it should deliver faster charging capabilities that make powering up your device even more convenient. 

So, will you need to purchase a new iPhone charger to facilitate these upgrades? Whether switching from Samsung or considering upgrading an older iPhone, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the iPhone 17’s new charging capabilities.

What Type of Charger Does the iPhone 17 Use?

The iPhone 17 will be USB-C compatible. This means you won't need a new charger if you already have the iPhone 16 or 15. Only phones that use the old Lightning Connector require an upgrade.

This smaller charging device was designed for the iPhone 5 in 2021. It left more room inside the iPhone for bigger batteries and provided more power than the previous 30-pin dock connector.

The reversible Lightning charger was also more durable than previous cables and fit whichever way you plugged it in. It featured a small Apple chip that improved safety by regulating voltage, too.

But the switch came with the iPhone 15 series in 2023, after European Union regulations meant smartphones must have a standardized port by the end of the year.

USB-C cables offer more efficient data transfer than the Lightning connector. The standard also provides universal compatibility with a variety of other flagship smartphones and power banks, plus external storage devices. 

What Wired Charging Speeds Does the iPhone 17 Support?

At around 3600 mAh, the iPhone 17 is expected to have a slightly higher battery capacity than the previous generation. And although it uses the same USB-C charger, Apple’s latest device could also see boosts to both its wired and wireless charging speeds. 

Rumors point to the iPhone 17 series supporting 35 W wired charging when used with a USB-C connector. This is a small increase from the iPhone 16, which charges at an official maximum 20W speed. The upgrade means your iPhone 17 could reach full power in under 100 minutes!

Photos from Apple leaker Majin Bu also show the iPhone 17 Pro battery inside a stainless steel case. This case will likely offer better thermal management, dissipating heat more effectively for faster charging speeds. It will also make battery replacement easier.

Will Wireless Charging Speeds Change on the iPhone 17?

In terms of wireless charging, the iPhone 16 currently supports maximum 15 W speeds. However, the iPhone 17 could feature the latest Qi 2.2 wireless charging standard, which offers optimal performance through improved magnetic alignment with your phone.

Documentation filed with Taiwan’s NCC regulator a few months ago shows two new Qi 2.2-compatible MagSafe chargers, supporting up to 45 W charging speeds.

However, these rumors were proven to be incorrect, and it’s now officially known that Qi 2.2 supports up to 25 W. That means the iPhone 17 will also likely feature maximum 25 W wireless charging speeds.

Further rumors point to the possibility that the iPhone 17 will receive reverse wireless charging up to 7.5 W. Reverse charging turns your phone into a charging station for any other Apple devices, like AirPods or an Apple Watch. However, this upgrade will likely only apply to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models. 

Does the iPhone 17 Work with Third-Party Chargers?

Although Apple recommends using its official chargers, third-party accessories from reputable brands also support the iPhone 17’s fast charging capabilities. However, since 2020, iPhones have only come with charging cables in the box. 

This means you’ll need an adapter that matches or is faster than the power output of your iPhone 17 for effective power delivery. Always check the adapter’s PD (power delivery) rating before purchasing to ensure your phone will charge at the maximum supported speeds.

At Ghostek, our NRGlink Wall Chargers support fast USB-C PD, with multiple variations that deliver 30 W and 45 W charging speeds. 

Discover dual ports for charging USB-C and USB-A-compatible iOS and Android devices, with a small and lightweight design for on-the-go use. Every charger we design also comes with advanced safety features, including overcharging protection and foldable socket storage.

And if you’re hoping to make the most of those 25 W wireless charging speeds, shop our MagSafe fast wireless range to ensure you have the right type of charger for your new iPhone 17.