Let me preface this by saying that I am aware of the tests regarding slow vs fast charging effects and that the savings of slow charging might not outweigh the convenience gained by using fast charging.
In any case, as of today, Apple is selling quite few adapters, charge cables, and pucks and I was curious what charging wattage the difference adapters would produce, so I tested the ones I have after I was unable to find specs for some online.
I tested these for iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs with consistent results.
The following accessories were involved in the tests:
- Apple USB C to USB C Cable (1m)
- Apple USB A to Lightning Cable
- Apple USB C to Lightning Cable
- Apple USB C to USB A Adapter
- Apple Lightning to USB C Adapter
- Belkin USB A to USB C Cable
Please see table below for configurations and outcomes for iPhones, iPads, Macs:
For Apple Watches, the results are much simpler:
All USB C charge pucks enable fast charging of Apple Watches up to 5 W.
All other charge pucks with USB A (no matter if metal of plastic) charged up to 2.2-2.3 W with all Chargers (5, 12, and 20+ W with USB C to A Adapter) *measurements fluctuate significantly more than the ones above
Pending: Seeing that the Lightning to USB C Adapter can push 20+ W, I want to test its maximum throughput.
In any case, as of today, Apple is selling quite few adapters, charge cables, and pucks and I was curious what charging wattage the difference adapters would produce, so I tested the ones I have after I was unable to find specs for some online.
I tested these for iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs with consistent results.
The following accessories were involved in the tests:
- Apple USB C to USB C Cable (1m)
- Apple USB A to Lightning Cable
- Apple USB C to Lightning Cable
- Apple USB C to USB A Adapter
- Apple Lightning to USB C Adapter
- Belkin USB A to USB C Cable
Please see table below for configurations and outcomes for iPhones, iPads, Macs:
| Charger Wattage | Charger Side Adapter | Cable | Device Side Adapter | Output |
| 5 W | - | USB A to Lightning | - | 5 W |
| 5W | - | USB A to Lightning | Lightning to USB C Adapter | 5 W |
| 5 W | - | USB A to USB C | - | 5 W |
| 12 W | - | USB A to Lightning | - | 12 W |
| 12 W | - | USB A to Lightning | Lightning to USB C Adapter | 12 W |
| 12 W | - | USB A to USB C | - | 8 W |
| 20+ W | - | USB C to USB C | - | 20+ W |
| 20+ W | - | USB C to Lightning | 20+ W | |
| 20+ W | - | USB C to Lightning | Lightning to USB C Adapter | 20+ W |
| 20+ W | USB C to USB A Adapter | USB A to USB C | - | 8 W |
| 20+ W | USB C to USB A Adapter | USB A to Lightning | Lightning to USB C Adapter | 5 W |
For Apple Watches, the results are much simpler:
All USB C charge pucks enable fast charging of Apple Watches up to 5 W.
All other charge pucks with USB A (no matter if metal of plastic) charged up to 2.2-2.3 W with all Chargers (5, 12, and 20+ W with USB C to A Adapter) *measurements fluctuate significantly more than the ones above
Pending: Seeing that the Lightning to USB C Adapter can push 20+ W, I want to test its maximum throughput.
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