Do non-Apple chargers damage your iPhone battery?

Question

Level 1

13 points

Do non-Apple chargers damage your iPhone battery?

I've heard that using non-Apple chargers (regular wall outlet charger and cable for iPhone 4S to be specific) could potentially damage your battery, and diminish its battery life. I've been told this by a friend, and I also noticed Apple mentioning something like this on their website. I just want some confirmation in case Apple's using this as bait to try sell their product over other companies' available options. Can I get some confirmation regarding this please?

Also, when using my car's cigarette lighter socket to charge my iPhone 4S (with the only official Apple product being the Apple cable, considering they don't have an official Apple lighter socket USB converter), I'd like to know which adapter would be best for an iPhone. Would using a 3rd party (non-Apple brand) USB connector, along with an 'original' Apple cable damage the battery in any way? I see that the Apple shop has some Belkin connectors. Is this the brand they commonly recommend? Are there any other recommendations?

Your help would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 4S, iOS 9.3.5, null

Posted on Sep 1, 2017 12:44 PM

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Answer 1

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,737 points

Sep 1, 2017 1:22 PM in response to iT00L

Regarding choice of charger. You want one that's at least 1 amp (5 watts). Less than that and it will take forever to charge (and it won't charge at all if you're using it). More than that will not hurt the iPhone because the rating is a capability and the iPhone controls the actual charge amount.

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Answer 2

iT00L Author

Level 1

13 points

Sep 2, 2017 6:38 AM in response to Philly_Phan

Philly_Phan wrote:

I should have been more clear in my original post. I should have said Apple branded or Apple certified.

No worries, I totally get it now. I've subsequently checked out their online store and will always make sure to source my parts "officially" from now on, if possible. I wasn't even aware that some of Belkin's products were 'officially licensed' products nowadays (I haven't visited the store in ages to be honest)

Philly_Phan wrote:

No difference in performance. Some are more mechanically rugged, some are available in different colors and, of course, there are different lengths.

Of course, in cases like these it just comes down to 'personal preference' and is a matter of taste I guess. I'm currently looking at these 2:

The 2nd one is a bit more pricey, but obviously it's got the "With a total 4.8A across the two ports" advantage, but I have to confirm first if I'd REALLY need this. I want 1 port ideally reserved for my iPhone, while having the other one occupied by my GPS' charger most of the rest of the time. I just need to confirm if I really need this extra juice (with option no. 2) when using both my phone and the GPS (either individually or simultaneously), otherwise I'll settle for cheaper option no. 1.

Take care. You've been more helpful than most people in the official Apple stores in my country. Service here is quite bad I'm afraid! 😟

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Answer 3

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,737 points

Sep 1, 2017 1:28 PM in response to iT00L

Very definitely. They wouldn't be on the Apple site if they weren't certified. I have two Belkin chargers myself, one for use in my car. Belkin also makes certified cables and connectors (again see the Apple site). I use this one in my car.

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Answer 4

iT00L Author

Level 1

13 points

Sep 1, 2017 1:04 PM in response to iT00L

WOW, what a quick response. Quite ridiculous to be honest. Thank you so much, it really means a lot to me. I'll follow your advice then. Any USB charger, but stick to Apple cables!

May I ask what issues they encountered when they used non-certified cables? Diminished battery life perhaps?

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Answer 5

iT00L Author

Level 1

13 points

Sep 1, 2017 1:35 PM in response to Philly_Phan

Philly_Phan wrote:

They wouldn't be on the Apple site if they weren't certified.

I know, that was quite a stupid question, sorry. Just making doubly sure. Maybe I'll consider getting one of them in the end.

Philly_Phan wrote:

Belkin also makes certified cables and connectors (again see the Apple site).

So how does their cables affect charging then? Are they on the safe side considering they're "licensed/approved by Apple". I'm asking because you mentioned that it might be risky using non-Apple branded cables (but here we're talking about an officially licensed product).

Also, if they're both safe, are there any differences (performance-wise), or is it purely a matter of taste?

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Answer 6

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,737 points

Sep 1, 2017 1:41 PM in response to iT00L

I should have been more clear in my original post. I should have said Apple branded or Apple certified.

No difference in performance. Some are more mechanically rugged, some are available in different colors and, of course, there are different lengths.

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Answer 7

Philly_Phan

Level 7

20,737 points

Sep 1, 2017 1:08 PM in response to iT00L

USB is an industry standard so I wouldn't worry about non-Apple chargers. In fact, I've been using non-Apple chargers on several IOS devices for almost ten years with no problems. I would, however, recommend that you always use Apple cables or Apple-certified cables. I have heard of issues resulting from non-certified cables.

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Answer 8

iT00L Author

Level 1

13 points

Sep 1, 2017 1:08 PM in response to Philly_Phan

Sorry, I accidentally replied to myself over there (i'm still new).

WOW, what a quick response. Quite ridiculous to be honest. Thank you so much, it really means a lot to me. I'll follow your advice then. Any USB charger, but stick to Apple cables!

May I ask what issues they encountered when they used non-certified cables? Diminished battery life/damage perhaps?

Reply