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iPad Air 13 2024 - which charger for max speed?

I received my new iPad Air 13 2024 yesterday. Today I tested different chargers for charging wattage:

  • Anker PowerPort Atom 3 45W PD
  • RavPower RP-PC128 90W PD
  • Anker Nano II 65W PD

I used a 5A emarker cable that reliably delivers >90W to my laptop. With the iPad all three chargers charged at no more than 20W (15V / 1.3A).

Is 20W really the maximum wattage for the iPad Air 13 2024? I have read that it supports 30W. What charger would i need to use to achieve 30W?

Thanks for any hints.

Posted on May 16, 2024 2:33 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 16, 2024 3:27 AM

Your iPad will charge at its maximum supported charging rate when using a 20W USB-C Power Adapter that supports USB PD (Power Delivery). You can use a compatible Power Adapter that has a greater power output, but the iPad will only draw the power that it needs to operate and optimally charge its battery.


The charging rate is limited so as to protect the Li-ion battery from damage. Heat is generated within the battery during charging - the charging rate being controlled during the charging process to keep heating within design limits. Charging a Li-ion battery beyond its design limits can also lead to generation of gasses within the battery, which can cause structural failure (ballooning) of the battery - which, in extremis, can be catastrophic.


High output Power Adapters can be useful when using devices with external devices, such as a USB-C hub, as you have a greater power-budget. The Power Adapter will have adequate output to charge the iPad at its maximum rate, while having sufficient spare capacity to power the connected peripheral devices.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 16, 2024 3:27 AM in response to rudolffischer

Your iPad will charge at its maximum supported charging rate when using a 20W USB-C Power Adapter that supports USB PD (Power Delivery). You can use a compatible Power Adapter that has a greater power output, but the iPad will only draw the power that it needs to operate and optimally charge its battery.


The charging rate is limited so as to protect the Li-ion battery from damage. Heat is generated within the battery during charging - the charging rate being controlled during the charging process to keep heating within design limits. Charging a Li-ion battery beyond its design limits can also lead to generation of gasses within the battery, which can cause structural failure (ballooning) of the battery - which, in extremis, can be catastrophic.


High output Power Adapters can be useful when using devices with external devices, such as a USB-C hub, as you have a greater power-budget. The Power Adapter will have adequate output to charge the iPad at its maximum rate, while having sufficient spare capacity to power the connected peripheral devices.

Jun 28, 2024 6:30 AM in response to LotusPilot

Hey there, I have an ipad air 2024. I bought an Iniu Powerbank off Amazon here in Australia. The power bank actually tells me the wattage it charges all my devices at. It has three ports, one IN/OUT USB C (100w). and another usbc 45w (out) and usbA (3A, can't remember the wattage 20w?)


Anyway, I just use the powerful 100w or 45w ports, and for my ipad air m2 2024 11 inch, it gets 30w charging.

iPad Air 13 2024 - which charger for max speed?

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