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Is there an official answer to an ipad charger charging an ipod, iphone?

A

applesupergeek

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Nov 20, 2009
879
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I have been finding conflicting info on the web. There was a TUAW article mentioning apple advices against this, then there's a thread here, which explains a lot, but doesn't offer a definitive answer, and then the separate charger that apple sells which supports ipod/iphone/ipad charging, but what about the included one?:confused:
 
applesupergeek said:
I have been finding conflicting info on the web. There was a TUAW article mentioning apple advices against this, then there's a thread here, which explains a lot, but doesn't offer a definitive answer, and then the separate charger that apple sells which supports ipod/iphone/ipad charging, but what about the included one?:confused:
Click to expand...

I'll set the record straight for you. It's recommended you use the iPad charger as it's 10w and designed to charge the iPad the quickest. The iPhone charger will work but will take longer due to it's lower voltage, unless its also rated 10w. No point charging off USB (powered or not) asbthe port simply cannot provide the same power as the AC adapter.
 
ArmCortexA8 said:
I'll set the record straight for you. It's recommended you use the iPad charger as it's 10w and designed to charge the iPad the quickest. The iPhone charger will work but will take longer due to it's lower voltage, unless its also rated 10w. No point charging off USB (powered or not) asbthe port simply cannot provide the same power as the AC adapter.
Click to expand...

The question seems to be asking about the opposite direction: "an ipad charger charging an ipod, iphone?"
 
Straight from the Apple site on the charger:

Featuring a compact design, this power adapter offers fast, efficient charging and includes a 6-foot-long power cord so you can plug it in under a desk or behind the couch. It also charges iPhone and all iPod models with a dock connector.
Click to expand...
 
I haven't used the iPad charger yet in the week I've had the iPad. Just been charging it on my Mac Pro.

It says Not Charging when you plug it in, but after the screen goes blank,it seems to charge. At least the next morning it is at 100%.
 
jb1280 said:
Straight from the Apple site on the charger:

Featuring a compact design, this power adapter offers fast, efficient charging and includes a 6-foot-long power cord so you can plug it in under a desk or behind the couch. It also charges iPhone and all iPod models with a dock connector.
Click to expand...

What is a dock connector?

Does this refer to the USB cable that comes with the iPad (identical with the one that comes with the iPhone)?
 
antiprotest said:
What is a dock connector?

Does this refer to the USB cable that comes with the iPad (identical with the one that comes with the iPhone)?
Click to expand...

logic3-ip162-cradles-for-iphone-dock-connector-15668573.jpeg
iphonedock1.png
 
brewno said:
logic3-ip162-cradles-for-iphone-dock-connector-15668573.jpeg
Click to expand...

That is a dock. What is a dock connector?

Edit: Oh, never mind, you changed the picture. But this means that the statement assumes that we are using a dock to charge the iPad, or what? Would not many people use the USB cable for both the iPad and the iPhone?
 
antiprotest said:
Would not many people use the USB cable for both the iPad and the iPhone?
Click to expand...

The dock connector is the connector on the other end of the USB cable for all iPods (since third generation I believe), iPhones, and the iPad. All of the chargers provide the same voltage, so you can use any of them with any of these devices. The iPod and iPhone chargers may not provide as much power, so they may not be able to charge the iPad as quickly (or at all). It will not damage anything to plug it in and try it.
 
rowsdower said:
The dock connector is the connector on the other end of the USB cable for all iPods (since third generation I believe), iPhones, and the iPad. All of the chargers provide the same voltage, so you can use any of them with any of these devices. The iPod and iPhone chargers may not provide as much power, so they may not be able to charge the iPad as quickly (or at all). It will not damage anything to plug it in and try it.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

Oh, I see. The picture from that previous poster shows dock adapters, not the dock connector.

The connector refers to the 30-pin connector. It is on the USB cable, the iPhone dock, and the iPad dock. So Apple's statement probably means that the iPad charger can charge any iPhone or iPod device that has that 30-pin connector.

In other words, the answer is "Yes," you can use the iPad charger to charge an iPhone or iPod Touch.
 
Thanks guys for the replies!!

I suppose this includes the ipod classic.

I suppose you can also use the ipads cable to connect the classic to a mac.
 
This has been covered here several times YES it is fine to charge a touch / iphone w ipad charger. It says so on the box of the extra 10 watt ipad charger I bought!
 
Apparently the ipad charger AND cable together do not work with the ipod classic, that in all probability is due to the cable it seems.
 
...

My iPad cable is nowhere near 6 feet long. I constantly wish it had another couple feet on it
 
applesupergeek said:
I have been finding conflicting info on the web. There was a TUAW article mentioning apple advices against this, then there's a thread here, which explains a lot, but doesn't offer a definitive answer, and then the separate charger that apple sells which supports ipod/iphone/ipad charging, but what about the included one?:confused:
Click to expand...

The charger that comes with the iPad and the charger sold separately are the same. They both charge the iPad/iPod/iPhone.
 
I haven't put them on my multimeter yet, but both should output 5 volt since they are USB style chargers. Thus, the only difference can be the amount of current the iPad vs iPhone adapters provide (see Ohm's law).

In that case, there should be no danger charging the phone or iPod with the iPad adapter other than it possibly charging faster than normal. If apple was retarded enough to design the charging circuits based upon the internal resistance of the lower powered charger, you may have problems, but I can't see that being the case with modern li-ion circuits.
 
Believe it or not, I never unpacked my charger that came with the iPad ("10W USB Power Adapter"). I've just been using the Apple Dock Connector chargers that I've had for a while. They both say "iPod USB Power Adapter" and don't have wattage info on them. They've been charging my iPad fine and there haven't been any problems so far.
 
my ipod classic wont charge with the ipad charger. it will activates the screen, probably meaning it detects something connected, but theres no bolt sign on battery. but it can charge my AWESOME ipod nano 1st gen. the Derp?!
 
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