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masotime

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Jun 24, 2012
2,736
2,638
San Jose, CA
(10/8/2017) tldr; Chart of % gain over minutes for the Anker 30W charger described below, in case you just want to verify that your charger is charging at full speed.

combined-charts-smaller.png


---

Original post follows:

I finally managed to get my hands on both the 2nd gen iPad Pro 12.9" and the new iPad Pro 10.5", and I figured I'd run some tests on how they perform, both on the original Apple 29W USB-C to Lightning adapter, as well as some third party adapters.

I originally reviewed Anker's original 60W USB-C adapter, which reportedly supplies 29W of power to the 12" MacBook. Unfortunately it wasn't able to fast charge the iPad Pro.

With the new iPad Pros and the passage of time, I hoped that the situation would improve on both sides - Apple and 3rd Party adapters - so that 29W charging would be feasible without having to spend so much on Apple's 29W adapter. I did a quick search on Amazon, and I found 2 that looked promising:
The Aukey is cheaper and comes with an odd USB-C to 2 USB-A adapter, whereas the Anker has a more straightforward design.

Here are the electrical specifications:

Aukey

Aukey.jpg


5V x 3A, 9V x 3A, 14.5V x 2A

Anker

anker.jpg


5V x 3A, 9V x 3A, 15V x 2A, 20V x 1.5A

Apple (reference)

apple.jpg


5.2V x 2.4A, 14.5V x 2A

The Anker is a little heavier, but seems better built, and also has the additional 20V output which would be suitable for MacBook Pros.
  • Battery Drain Methodology: I downloaded GFX Metal Bench and used the Battery loop test. I'm not sure if there's another tool that has a better way of draining the battery.
  • Power Drain Meter: I used the Zhurui PR10-E US15A. It seems to have a good review.
  • Cable used: Apple's official USB-C to Lightning cable, 1m
Here are the results of the testing:

iPad Pro 12.9" Gen 2

Battery Level: ~33%

12.9" iPad Pro charger tests - small.png


All 3 seem to charge at 29W!

iPad Pro 10.5"

Battery Level: ~34%

10.5" iPad Pro charger tests - small.png


Again, all 3 seem to charge at 29W, although it seems to be slightly lesser for the 10.5" iPad Pro.

Overall, I think this is good news! It looks like either the USB PD circuitry in the new iPad Pros or the 3rd party adapters are now in sync.

If you're deciding on which one to buy, the Aukey seems like a good option if you're on a budget. It's also lighter and has the option to convert to 2 USB-A ports, although that seems like a gimmick.

The Anker seems better built, and I suspect that the 20V output can be useful if you want to use it to charge the latest USB-C MacBook Pros.

Either way, I think it can be safely said that we no longer have to rely on the Apple 29W USB-C adapter to charge at full speed.

---

Data points / Special Note regarding 10.5"

@BeatCrazy has actually already tested the 10.5", but his results were different in that he got a reading of only 18W - ref https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/10-5-ipad-pro-fast-charging.2050391/page-3#post-24713109

I have done some quick tracking of the charging progression and here are some data points:
  • 0 mins - 35%, draw 30W
  • 10 mins - 46%, draw 30W, gain/min = 1.1% / min
  • 21 mins - 57%, draw 22W
  • 33 mins - 67%, draw 22W, gain/min = 0.83% / min
  • 40 mins - 72%, draw 18W
  • 48 mins - 77% draw 18W
It looks like the 10.5" iPad Pro switches to a lower charging rate (probably 9V/2A or 18W) once it goes past 50%. It seems to drop again after 70% to maybe 15W.

Follow up data points:
  • 0 mins - 78%, draw 18W
  • 6 mins - 82%, draw 22W (outlier?)
  • 31 mins - 93%, draw 7W
  • 47 mins - 96%, draw 3.8W
Once the iPad charge goes beyond 90%, the charging speed drops drastically.
 
Last edited:

WilliamG

macrumors G3
Mar 29, 2008
9,919
3,800
Seattle
Great post, thank you. I was wondering about this very thing! Any recommendations for a good, reliable 6ft USB-C to Lightning cable?
 
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masotime

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Jun 24, 2012
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WilliamG

macrumors G3
Mar 29, 2008
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Seattle
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masotime

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Jun 24, 2012
2,736
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San Jose, CA
Just to repeat an addendum that I've edited into the original post:

Special Note regarding 10.5"

@BeatCrazy has actually already tested the 10.5", but his results were different in that he got a reading of only 18W - ref https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/10-5-ipad-pro-fast-charging.2050391/page-3#post-24713109

I have done some quick tracking of the charging progression and here are some data points:
  • 0 mins - 35%, draw 30W
  • 10 mins - 46%, draw 30W, gain/min = 1.1% / min
  • 21 mins - 57%, draw 22W
  • 33 mins - 67%, draw 22W, gain/min = 0.83% / min
It looks like the 10.5" iPad Pro switches to a lower charging rate (probably 9V/2A or 18W) once it goes past 50%. It's not clear if it will drop again after 80% or 90%.
 

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,203
19,421
UK
So basically to buy the 29W power brick and then you need to buy the USB-C to lightening. It comes to about what £75? Really crazy just to charge a fair bit faster. Just hope the new iphone fast charging comes built in instead of needing to buy more cables/bricks
 
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iregret

macrumors 6502a
Jan 23, 2012
525
120
I finally managed to get my hands on both the 2nd gen iPad Pro 12.9" and the new iPad Pro 10.5", and I figured I'd run some tests on how they perform, both on the original Apple 29W USB-C to Lightning adapter, as well as some third party adapters.

I originally reviewed Anker's original 60W USB-C adapter, which reportedly supplies 29W of power to the 12" MacBook. Unfortunately it wasn't able to fast charge the iPad Pro.

With the new iPad Pros and the passage of time, I hoped that the situation would improve on both sides - Apple and 3rd Party adapters - so that 29W charging would be feasible without having to spend so much on Apple's 29W adapter. I did a quick search on Amazon, and I found 2 that looked promising:
The Aukey is cheaper and comes with an odd USB-C to 2 USB-A adapter, whereas the Anker has a more straightforward design.

Here are the electrical specifications:

Aukey

View attachment 704986

5V x 3A, 9V x 3A, 14.5V x 2A

Anker

View attachment 704987

5V x 3A, 9V x 3A, 15V x 2A, 20V x 1.5A

Apple (reference)

View attachment 704988


5.2V x 2.4A, 14.5V x 2A

The Anker is a little heavier, but seems better built, and also has the additional 20V output which would be suitable for MacBook Pros.
  • Battery Drain Methodology: I downloaded GFX Metal Bench and used the Battery loop test. I'm not sure if there's another tool that has a better way of draining the battery.
  • Power Drain Meter: I used the Zhurui PR10-E US15A. It seems to have a good review.
  • Cable used: Apple's official USB-C to Lightning cable, 1m
Here are the results of the testing:

iPad Pro 12.9" Gen 2

Battery Level: ~33%

View attachment 704991

All 3 seem to charge at 29W!

iPad Pro 10.5"

Battery Level: ~34%

View attachment 704992

Again, all 3 seem to charge at 29W, although it seems to be slightly lesser for the 10.5" iPad Pro.

Overall, I think this is good news! It looks like either the USB PD circuitry in the new iPad Pros or the 3rd party adapters are now in sync.

If you're deciding on which one to buy, the Aukey seems like a good option if you're on a budget. It's also lighter and has the option to convert to 2 USB-A ports, although that seems like a gimmick.

The Anker seems better built, and I suspect that the 20V output can be useful if you want to use it to charge the latest USB-C MacBook Pros.

Either way, I think it can be safely said that we no longer have to rely on the Apple 29W USB-C adapter to charge at full speed.

---

Special Note regarding 10.5"

@BeatCrazy has actually already tested the 10.5", but his results were different in that he got a reading of only 18W - ref https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/10-5-ipad-pro-fast-charging.2050391/page-3#post-24713109

I have done some quick tracking of the charging progression and here are some data points:
  • 0 mins - 35%, draw 30W
  • 10 mins - 46%, draw 30W, gain/min = 1.1% / min
  • 21 mins - 57%, draw 22W
  • 33 mins - 67%, draw 22W, gain/min = 0.83% / min
It looks like the 10.5" iPad Pro switches to a lower charging rate (probably 9V/2A or 18W) once it goes past 50%. It's not clear if it will drop again after 80% or 90%.
This is the info the forum needed. Thanks a ton!
 
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BeatCrazy

macrumors 601
Jul 20, 2011
4,876
4,023
@masotime Great work!

Yes, I started to doubt my 18w conclusions yesterday after reading on another site the difference in power draw on various states of battery level.

I will re-test with the Apple 61w USB-C charger to see if I can get 29w out of the 10.5. Just as soon as I can drain my battery enough ha!
 

iF34R

Contributor
Jul 13, 2011
1,274
514
South Carolina
Interested in getting the Anker.. but the prices still... I'm torn lol. Thanks for all the info. It's helping a lot of people out when making decisions on what's good, bad, pricey, etc.
 

masotime

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Jun 24, 2012
2,736
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San Jose, CA
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Bryan Bowler

macrumors 601
Sep 27, 2008
4,024
4,347
masotime, I want to give you my sincerest thanks for all of the testing and reporting you’ve done here. You’ve been knocking it out of the park! Thank you so much for taking the time to help everyone.

I just purchased the Anker via the link you provided. I already have a USB-C to Lightning cable, so I should be all set for fast charging. My Apple Pencil arrives on Friday. My Smart Cover and Incase Sleeve are sitting right next to me. And my Elevation Labs Draft Table is sitting in my office as well.

All I need now is for my 12.9 iPad Pro 512 GB Space Grey Wifi only to finally get here! C’mon Apple, crank up that production line!! :)
 

WilliamG

macrumors G3
Mar 29, 2008
9,919
3,800
Seattle
Have the Anker 30W coming today, so I'll test it, too. :)

Got my Anker and just did some quick tests. With my Kill A Watt plug I can see the Anker at 33 Watts with my 2017 iPad Pro (using a standard length Apple cable USB C to Lightning). Just charged from 26%-37% in 11 minutes, or 1% a minute. That's a night and day difference from the crappy charger included in the box with the iPad.

Awesome.
 
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sdz

macrumors 65816
May 28, 2014
1,212
1,542
Europe/Germany
Anybody knows a 3rd party USB-C -> Lightning cable which can provide USB-PD to the ipad Pro?

30€ is a bit expensive for a cable IMHO.
 

Kelson13

macrumors member
Jun 13, 2017
33
14
Dallas, TX
Excellent!
Got my Anker and just did some quick tests. With my Kill A Watt plug I can see the Anker at 33 Watts with my 2017 iPad Pro (using a standard length Apple cable USB C to Lightning). Just charged from 26%-37% in 11 minutes, or 1% a minute. That's a night and day difference from the crappy charger included in the box with the iPad.

Awesome.

Excellent! Thank you for sharing.
[doublepost=1498129403][/doublepost]
Anybody knows a 3rd party USB-C -> Lightning cable which can provide USB-PD to the ipad Pro?

30€ is a bit expensive for a cable IMHO.

I just ordered some braided Leonis cables from Amazon (USB-C to Lightning). There are other companies that sell them as well. I can't confirm that they fast charge, but reviewers have confirmed this and they list they allow for fast charging in their description.
 

WilliamG

macrumors G3
Mar 29, 2008
9,919
3,800
Seattle
Excellent!


Excellent! Thank you for sharing.
[doublepost=1498129403][/doublepost]

I just ordered some braided Leonis cables from Amazon (USB-C to Lightning). There are other companies that sell them as well. I can't confirm that they fast charge, but reviewers have confirmed this and they list they allow for fast charging in their description.

Let us know how they work. I was hesitant to buy that one because several reviews specifically mention iPad Pro and no fast charging...
 

ManyThreads

macrumors member
Jun 9, 2017
94
56
I plugged in my 10.5 to one of the AUKEY green ports (AI, 2.4A max) and observed the following:

25% - 31% in 10 minutes, then 31% - 33% by the 15min mark. Seemed to be charging it fairly quickly albeit not linearly. I haven't even used the stock charger yet but I've got to believe that's faster.

Can anyone confirm that current is in fact pulled and not pushed, and as such it would be impossible to damage the iPad with third party chargers like this? I think the iPP can handle 2.4A anyways though so no big deal.

The stock charger also says output is 2.4A though so wouldn't it be the same? Or are there some other differences?
 
Last edited:
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