I have some fast charge chargers but only older Type-A cables (and A to C adapters). Do I need a special cable to fast charge my iPhone 11 and iPads?
You need a USB-C power source and cable.
If I understand you correctly: USB-C source -> USB-C to Type-A adapter -> (Type-A) Lightning cable -> iPhone11 does not fast charge.
Yes, you understand correctly. That combination will work to charge the phone, but not fast charge it. The fast charge uses additional signal wires that USB 3 does not support.
How is a lightning fast charge cable physically different from a regular cable.
