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I understand the amp difference between the wall chargers for iPhone and iPad (1amp vs 2 amp).
But is there a difference in the cables - ie are some not suitable to charge an iPad even though they do charge an iPhone?
If there are specific cables suitable for iPad, perhaps that can carry a higher load, can you either provide a link or the specifications
iPad Air 2, iPadOS 13
Currently no iPhone uses USB C. In 2018, Apple introduced two new iPad Pro models with Face ID, both of which use USB C. The updated 2020 models of the same two iPad's continue with USB C, while all other iPad models use Lightning. There is simply no benefit to trying to use a USB C cable on your iPad, which would also require you use an adapter to turn USB C to lightning when you already have a lightning cable.
Currently no iPhone uses USB C. In 2018, Apple introduced two new iPad Pro models with Face ID, both of which use USB C. The updated 2020 models of the same two iPad's continue with USB C, while all other iPad models use Lightning. There is simply no benefit to trying to use a USB C cable on your iPad, which would also require you use an adapter to turn USB C to lightning when you already have a lightning cable.
Yup, all the wires that usually charge iPhones and iPads are equal
Also, pretty sure that FoxFifth actually meant to show this wire. Lightning to USB Cable (1 m) - Apple
iPad Pro 3rd Gen or higher uses this - USB-C Charge Cable (2 m) - Apple
Older 1st and 2nd Gen iPads used to have an ugly wide charger.
Yes, I see that in the specs linked that I need a Lightning to USB cable (not USB-C) and that the power adapter/wall charger is USB (not USB-C).
Unless....is there a compelling reason to upgrade both the charger and the cable to USB-C to Lightning ?
...and lastly, as long as it specifies USB-C to Lightning and is 'certified' then I can order any brand? for example Anker or other. Even this one should be suitable then -
I'd be using the original - I'm not sure which adapter, USB or USB-C, came with my iPad Air 2.
To be honest, I didn't know there was a difference between adapters/wall chargers and cables between USB & USB-C
There is no reason to change the cable from what you received with the iPad at all. You have an iPad which has a lightning port. You would only need a USB C cable if you had a newer iPad Pro 2018 or 2020 model as they don't have a lightning port. They use USB C.
Ok thanks. I Am ashamed to admit that I’ve been so out of the loop that I wasn’t aware that USB-C jacks, connections, ports, cables were physically different hardwares.
I thought it was just a faster data transfer with the same connectors - kinda like usbto usb2 etc
And I didn’t know that newer iPads didn’t have lightning ports, especially unaware as my new iPhone SE 2020 has a lightning port
well I’ve learned something, thank you all!
One more thing, if I may, which is at a slight tangent but still related....I have a 6 ft usb to lightning cable (anker) which I purchased some time ago to replace the short cable that came with my iPad.
After some time (its now out of warranty) it still charges my iPhone without issue but not so the iPad. Sometimes it does & sometimes it doesn't.
I can charge the iPad with it's original cable so I assume that means the wall adapter/charger is ok. I thought to replace the cable but was wondering why, if it's faulty, can it charge the phone but not the iPad?
Are you using the charging brick, which came with the iPad or are you using the charging brick for your iPhone with the iPad? If you are using the iPhone brick and a long cable, it just may not be pushing enough power to charge the iPad. The iPhone brick is 5W. The iPad brick is either 10W or 12W.
Is the charging port on the iPad a little loose? It may be a simple connection thing. Take a flashlight and look inside the charging port to see if there is any debris in it. If there is, take something like a wooden toothpick and gently pry it out. DO NOT use compressed air as that will push any debris, such as dust or link, further in.
Just checked with flashlight & toothpick. A Tiny bit of fluff/dust but so small I doubt it'd have any effect. It's a little mystery why the cable charges the phone and not the iPad and that the original supplied cable does charge it
A cable that came with an iPhone can be used to charge an iPad. See the following: USB-C to Lightning Cable (1 m) - Apple
...so basically all cables, whether for iPhone or iPad, are equal?
there are none that are specifically made more suitable for iPads?
That is correct.
There are heavier cables for some models of Macs where the power adapters are in the 61 to 96 watts range but those cables are USB-C on both ends (not lightning on one end).
I use an Anker USB-C to USB-C cable on my Mac.
And see StanleyG 's post.
The iPad end is Lightning.
The power adapter end could be USB or USB-C depending on what adapter you have or intend to use.
Differences in the cables?
