What charger does the iphone 16 use: Why your old bricks might be useless

So you finally caved and bought the new iPhone 16. It’s sitting there in that slim, environmentally friendly box, and you’ve probably noticed something immediately: the box is tiny. That’s because, once again, Apple has skipped the wall brick. If you’re coming from an older model, you’re likely staring at a drawer full of tangled cables wondering what charger does the iphone 16 use and if you actually need to spend more money just to get some juice.

The short answer? It uses USB-C. But honestly, it’s a bit more complicated than just "any old plug will do" if you actually care about speed.

The USB-C reality check

Apple finally killed the Lightning port for good across the whole lineup. Every single iPhone 16—from the base model to the 16 Pro Max—now features a USB-C port at the bottom. This is great for your cable clutter since you can basically use the same wire for your iPad, MacBook, or even a friend's Android.

But here’s the kicker. While the port is universal, the speed isn't.

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are still technically stuck on USB 2.0 speeds for data transfers. It’s kinda annoying, but if you only care about charging, it doesn't really change the game. However, if you bought the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, you have USB 3 support. That means if you use a high-quality cable, you can move massive 48MP ProRAW photos to your laptop in seconds.

Finding the right "brick" for speed

You've got the cable (there's a nice braided one in the box), but what should you plug it into?

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Most people have a pile of those old 5W cubes—the tiny white ones. Throw them away. Seriously. They’ll take approximately a lifetime to charge these new, larger batteries. To get what Apple calls "Fast Charging," you need a power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD).

• The 20W Standard: This is the baseline. Apple says a 20W adapter will get you to 50% in about 30 minutes. It's fine. It works.
• The 30W Sweet Spot: If you want to maximize the new MagSafe speeds or just want a slightly cooler, more efficient wired charge, go with 30W.
• The 45W "Secret": Interestingly, certification data from 2024 and 2025 showed that the iPhone 16 series can actually pull up to 45W under specific conditions. You won't see 45W the whole time—it's a curve that drops as the phone gets hot—but using a MacBook charger (like a 70W or 140W brick) is perfectly safe and can shave minutes off your total charge time.

Wireless charging just got a massive upgrade

If you hate wires, the iPhone 16 is actually a pretty big deal. Apple updated the MagSafe puck. If you use the new MagSafe charger paired with a 30W power adapter, you can now hit 25W wireless charging.

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That’s a huge jump from the 15W we’ve been stuck with for years.

Also, with the release of iOS 26, Apple unlocked 25W speeds for third-party Qi2 chargers as well. Before this, brands like Belkin or Anker were capped at 15W unless they were "Official MagSafe." Now, the playing field is much more level. Just make sure the box specifically says "Qi2" or "MagSafe Compatible" and that your wall plug is meaty enough to feed it.

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What about your old Lightning cables?

They’re dead. Well, not dead, but useless for the iPhone 16 without a dongle. Apple sells a USB-C to Lightning adapter, but honestly, it’s $29. You’re better off just buying a new 2-pack of high-quality USB-C cables from a reputable brand like Anker or Ugreen.

Practical steps to stay powered

Don't overthink the "brand" too much as long as it's a known name. Your MacBook charger is your best friend here—it’s smart enough to not "fry" your phone. It only gives the iPhone what it asks for.

1. Check your current bricks: Look for the tiny text on your adapter. If it doesn't say "USB-C" or "PD," it's time for an upgrade.
2. Use the box cable: The cable Apple included is actually really high quality. Use it.
3. Invest in 30W+: If you’re buying new, don't buy the 20W. The price difference to a 30W or 45W GaN (Gallium Nitride) charger is usually a few bucks, and it's much more versatile for charging tablets or even small laptops.
4. Update to iOS 26: If you haven't already, make sure your software is current to take advantage of the latest Qi2 wireless charging optimizations that weren't fully active at launch.