Charging an iPhone 15 using a Lightning cable.

Bella Brown September 28, 2023

Macworld

If you recently purchased one of Apple’s latest iPhone 15 versions featuring a USB-C port, you may now have a collection of seemingly unnecessary Lightning cables filling up your drawer. After counting, my family of three has acquired twelve Lightning cables, and there may be a few more stored away.

Don’t worry about contributing to electronic waste, these Lightning cables can still be used to charge an iPhone 15 with the addition of a basic adapter.

According to Apple, the sole method for accomplishing this task is through the use of their USB-C to Lightning Adapter.

The cost of the Apple USB-C to Lightning Adapter is $29/£29, which is almost double the price of its 60W 1m USB-C to USB-C Charge Cable ($19). It may be more cost effective to purchase two new charge cables instead of the adapter.

You can save money by purchasing high-quality USB-C cables from sources other than the Apple Store. Check out Macworld’s top picks for USB-C charging cables. Avoid using older Lightning cables with USB-A connectors, as only USB-C (whether to Lightning or USB-C) allows for fast charging of iPhones.

However, there are affordable third-party adapters that perform just as effectively as the Apple adapter.

In addition to the Apple adapter being mislabeled as a Lightning to USB-C adapter, there are more affordable options available that convert a Lightning cable into a USB-C charging cable.

You will require a Lightning Female to USB-C Male Adapter. This adapter allows you to insert the Lightning end of your previous charging cable, designed before the iPhone 15, and use it to charge an iPhone 15 or any other USB-C device with low battery.

We tried out the Arktek Lightning to USB-C Adapter, which comes in a convenient two-pack in Silver or Gray for $10.99 or £11.99. Additionally, we also tested a pack that includes one Lightning to USB-C adapter and one USB-C to Lightning adapter (U.K. only; £8.99) for those who want to go in the opposite direction as well.

Other options include the FQSH adapter for Lightning Female to USB-C Male, which comes in a pack of 2 for $10 and is offered in various colors (only available in the U.S.).

This will allow you to convert your Lightning cable into a USB-C charging cable.

Please be aware that when charging your laptop, it is recommended to use a modified Lightning cable and preferably a 20W USB-C charger. Keep in mind that each Lightning USB-C adapter may not support certain devices, such as the Apple Pencil, so be sure to check before purchasing. Our tests showed that our Lightning cable and USB-C adapter combination was able to charge most devices, but it is worth noting that the manufacturer has prohibited certain devices due to the risk of overheating. We did observe the adapter getting hot when attempting to charge a device larger than an iPhone.

Purchase the 2-Pack of Arktek Lightning to USB-C Adapters.