Can You Use an iPhone 11 Charger with an iPhone 12? Full Guide
Understanding charger compatibility has become a common question for many iPhone users. With the evolution of Apple's Lightning cable, determining whether an older iPhone charger can be used with a newer model, such as the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12, can sometimes be confusing. In this comprehensive guide, we will address the key points and answers related to charger compatibility to help you make the right choice for your device.
Lightning Cables: An Overview
One of the most important factors in charger compatibility is the Lightning connector. Since the introduction of the iPhone 5 in 2012, all iPhones have utilized the same Lightning cable charger. This is because Apple standardized on the Lightning connector, which ensures that you can use any Lightning cable with any iPhone model from the 5 onwards, including the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12. Therefore, when you buy an iPhone charger, it is highly likely that it will work with any iPhone that uses the Lightning connector.
Faster Charging with Higher Wattage Chargers
While using a charger from an older iPhone model like the iPhone 11 with an iPhone 12 will still allow you to charge your device, you may not experience the fastest charging speeds possible. The iPhone 12 can benefit from faster charging when using a charger with a higher wattage. For optimal charging performance, Apple recommends using a 20W USB-C charger. This charger can deliver faster charging speeds and is particularly useful when you need to quickly top up your phone's battery. However, if you are okay with slower charging speeds, the iPhone 11 charger will still effectively charge your iPhone 12.
Compatibility with Other Apple Devices and Older iPhones
Lightning cables are not only interchangeable between different iPhone models, but they also work with other Apple devices that use the Lightning connector. This includes all iPads and iPod touch models that support the Lightning cable. Additionally, you can use the same Lightning charger to charge previous iPhone models such as the iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone SE, iPhone SE 2, and iPhone XR. This wide range of compatibility ensures that you can save money by investing in a single Lightning charger that can be used across multiple devices.
Charging Performance and Speed
For faster charging performance, especially if you are under time pressure, you will need both a USB-C to Lightning cable and a charger with a higher wattage. The iPhone 11 Pro 18W charger or the new Apple 20W charger is highly recommended for charging your iPhone 12 more quickly. These chargers can charge your iPhone's battery significantly faster, especially within the first 50% of charging. The 20W charger is now available for around $19 after a price reduction from $39. If you do not need the fastest charging, the iPhone 11 charger will still effectively charge your iPhone 12, but at a slower rate.
Historical Context and USB-A to Lightning Cables
Before the iPhone 5, iPhone chargers used a 30-pin connector rather than the Lightning connector. If you have devices that still use the 30-pin connector, you will need to use a USB-A to Lightning cable. You can purchase these cables from Apple officially or from other retailers such as gas stations, UPS Stores, Staples, and others. For those seeking faster charging, the USB-C chargers used in the iPhone 11 Pro boxes are considerably faster from 0 to 50% compared to the prior chargers. While these new chargers are priced lower than before at $19, they are still a good investment if you want to boost your charging speed.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, you can absolutely use an iPhone 11 charger with an iPhone 12. However, if you want to enjoy faster charging, it is recommended to use a higher wattage charger such as the 18W or 20W USB-C charger. This not only offers faster charging speeds but also ensures that your iPhone 12 is charged optimally, providing you with the best user experience. However, if you are happy with the slower charging rate, the iPhone 11 charger will still effectively charge your device without any issues.