Is it ok to use a 20W USB power adapter with an iPad 3rd Generation (instead of10W)?
Yes. The 20W USB-C Power Adapter is perfectly usable with your iPad3 - although your iPad will not charge significantly faster. The iPad3 has a maximum supported charging rate of about 12W (2.4A @5V).
Yes. The 20W USB-C Power Adapter is perfectly usable with your iPad3 - although your iPad will not charge significantly faster. The iPad3 has a maximum supported charging rate of about 12W (2.4A @5V).
You’re very welcome.
The higher wattage Power Adapter will cause no damage or harm to a healthy device. You iPad will only draw the power that it needs - up to the maximum power that the iPad is designed to charge its battery. The iPad will automatically regulate battery charging, reducing the current (mA) that it draws from the Power Adapter as full charge is reached.
Apple doesn’t provide compatibility information for obsolete devices - such as the iPad3.
Perhaps consider that while the 20W USB-C Power Adapter does not have a USB Type-A connector as found on older Power Adapters. Instead, this Power Adapter has a USB-C connector - and as such, you will require a different charging cable to be able to use this Power Adapter.
From recollection, the iPad3 has a 30-pin Dock connection - and not a Lightning port. As such, you are unlikely to find a suitable/compatible cable for your iPad3.
Upon this basis - and further reflection - the 20W Power Adapter is not a good choice for your current iPad.
Yes, the 20W USB C Power Adapter is not compatible with the 30-pin dock which is what the old iPad 3 has. The iPad 3 is still working well and is good for reading ebooks including graphic novels and comics. In any case, any 20W charger is ok if it can be used with a 30-pin to USB A cable. Also, I've found a Bavin power adapter that is 5.1V and 2.1A. There is also an adapter for 30-pin to USB C and micro USB. So, options are available in terms of wall chargers, adapters, and cables. Thanks for the help. Appreciate it.
Thank you again, LotusPilot! It helps to know that the iPad will only draw the power it needs. I had the mistaken idea that the power adapter would feed the iPad more power than needed and damage it. Also, the Apple website does not seem to have info like this, or I may have just missed it. It would help if the older models are listed as well in the compatibility list for a power adapter plus any caveats to be mindful of.
Thank you, Lotus Pilot! I was afraid that a higher Watt rating might damage the older iPad. Good to know that it's ok to use a 20W wall charger.
20W USB Power Adapter for iPad 3rd Generation
