Apple Reportedly Increases Production Forecast for USB-C Power Adapters Ahead of iPhone Interface Change
Apple’s upcoming iPhone interface change is expected to result in increased demand for high-performance USB-C power adapters. As a result, the company has reportedly raised its production forecast for its own 20-watt power supply. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that in the current second and subsequent third quarters, Apple is now expecting deliveries to double.
Around 70 million USB-C power adapters are expected to be delivered to Apple in the 2023 Christmas season alone. Kuo predicts that Apple will “optimize” the iPhone 15’s fast-charging capabilities for chargers with its in-house Made for iPhone (MFi) certification. This certification is expected to also apply to USB-C cables for the iPhone 15.
Fast Charging with iPhone 15
Fast charging of iPhones and Apple Watches is already only possible with an original cable from the manufacturer, but any USB-C power supply can be used as long as it is powerful and supports the common USB-PD (USB Power Delivery) specification. The analyst estimates that Apple could sell around 230 to 240 million of its USB-C power adapters in 2023, significantly more than in the same period last year.
Apple’s USB-C power supply with 20 watts costs 25 euros, and the manufacturer no longer has a cheaper power supply in its range. Since autumn 2020, Apple has no longer included a power supply unit with new iPhones. Previously, the vast majority of models only came with a weak 5-watt power adapter, which only charges iPhones slowly. Apple recommends a power adapter with at least 18 watts to use the iPhone fast charging function – an official USB-C to Lightning cable is also required.
Compliance with EU USB-C Specification
Apple has repeatedly warned of a USB-C decree from the EU that this would lead to more electronic waste instead of less. Most recently, the company made it clear that it would “naturally” comply with the European specification for uniform charging technology for mobile devices.
The switch from Lightning to USB-C has been expected for a long time, and other Apple devices such as Macs and iPads have long been using the interface.
