Apple Charging Cord Diameters

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Level 1

8 points

Apple Charging Cord Diameters

Hello,

I noticed that the Lightening to USB charge/sync cable that came with an iPhone is smaller in diameter (perhaps gauge of wire also?) than the one that came with an iPad. Are they interchangeable, i.e. can you charge an iPad with the cable that came with the iPhone?

Same question, but how about the charger? I understand that 1.0A will charge more slowly than a 2.4A with the IPad, but does interchanging chargers and/or cords in any way decrease the life of the battery or device or damage it in any way?

Thank you!

Posted on Mar 26, 2017 3:00 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

elcpu

Level 7

31,506 points

Mar 26, 2017 3:35 PM in response to bugattia

Q. 1: The compatibility list for the cord includes both the iPhone and iPad:

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD818AM/A/lightning-to-usb-cable-1-m

Q. 2: You can use the 12 Watt charger for the iPhone with no issues but the 5 Watt charger will work very slowly with the iPad:

Using iPad power adapters with your iPhone, iPad, and iPod - Apple Support

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Answer 2

MichelPM

Level 10

81,284 points

Mar 26, 2017 3:20 PM in response to bugattia

It shouldn't make a differnce, but the use of the thinner connection cord of the iPhone could put more elecrrical stress on it using the thinner cable to charge the iPad.

I really do not like any of Apple's iDevice connection cables, although the one that my iPad Pro came with was a wider than usual diameter (slightly heavier gauge wire?) than what has normally come with iPhones/iPod Touches/other iPads.

Over the years, Apple has made their iDevice connection cables cheaper in quality and more expensive in price.

Personally, over the past five or six years, I have replaced most of my cheaply made Apple branded cables with better quality cables of either same price or in most cases, slightly cheaper pricing and have never had a problems/worries with any of them.

The one I use with my iPad Pro and iPod Touch is a pretty high grade, thick wire cased braided cable that also has some flexibility and bendability.

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Answer 3

bugattia Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 26, 2017 9:12 PM in response to elcpu

Thank you! I noticed the article doesn't mention using the iPhone cable with the iPad. Do you know if it is documented anywhere?

Similarly, if one were to use a Power Bank, would it be ok to use the 1.0A connection vs. the 2.0A connection? Is it ok to use either when neither is up to the specified 2.4A wall adapter that came with the iPad?

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Answer 4

elcpu

Level 7

31,506 points

Mar 27, 2017 8:05 AM in response to bugattia

The first article I linked shows the cable as compatible with both.

I would not use 1 Amp chargers for iPads as the iPad would charge very very slow. I have a 2.1 A Belkin charger and it is ok but I prefer a dual Anker 2.4 watt or the original Apple 2.4 watt charger as they charge all.

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