There’s something special about Apple’s new little charger plug that released with the iPhone 17 lineup. It’s called the 40W Dynamic Power Adapter, and it looks like a pretty basic USB-C charger plug — but I’ve learned it’s pretty unique in how it dishes out power, giving a limited 60-watt boost to certain devices.
If you have one of the newer iPhones, such as the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17, you may want to add this $39 accessory to your charging setup. But it also matters which model phone you have and which cables you’re using.
And if you’re using MagSafe for wireless charging, newer iPhones can also get a faster charge — but it depends on your setup. Original MagSafe cords won’t get you the same results as the 2024 MagSafe model, which can deliver up to 25 watts. (If your MagSafe has a smooth rubber cord, you might want to pay attention.)
Watch this: What Makes Apple’s New 40-Watt Charger Plug Special
In this week’s episode of One More Thing, embedded above, I go into how Apple’s new power adapter works and how to get the fastest charge from the latest iPhones, whether you plug it in or charge wirelessly.
If anything, I hope this video sparks some interest in knowing what kind of wattage your phones can handle and what your adapters are built to deliver. Or maybe, the next time you want to grab a cheap cord or adapter on sale, it’ll have you taking a closer look at the specs.
If you’re looking for more One More Thing, subscribe to our YouTube page to catch Bridget Carey breaking down the latest Apple news and issues every Friday.
