You've finally ditched the Lightning cable. It’s about time, honestly.
After a decade of Apple clinging to that proprietary 8-pin connector, the iPhone 15 Plus made the jump to USB-C. But here's the thing: just because the hole on the bottom of your phone looks like the one on your laptop doesn't mean every cable in your drawer is going to work the same way. There is a lot of noise out there about what "type" of charger you actually need, and a surprising amount of it is just plain wrong.
Basically, you’re looking at a USB-C port. That’s the official iPhone 15 Plus charger type. But "USB-C" is just the shape of the plug. What happens inside that cable—and the brick it’s attached to—is where things get sticky.
The USB-C Switch: It’s Not Just About the Plug
For years, we were stuck in the "Apple walled garden." If you forgot your charger at a friend’s house and they had an Android, you were basically out of luck. Now? You can grab the cord from a Nintendo Switch, a MacBook, or even a Samsung Galaxy, and it’ll physically fit.
But don't expect miracles.
The iPhone 15 Plus supports USB 2.0 speeds. Yeah, you read that right. While the Pro models got the fancy high-speed data transfer tech, the Plus is technically limited to 480 Mbps for data. That’s the same speed as the old Lightning port. It’s a bit of a bummer if you’re moving huge 4K video files, but for most of us just plugging in to juice up at night, it doesn't change much.
The real magic is in the Power Delivery (PD).
To actually get your phone from dead to 50% in about 30 minutes, you need a brick that supports the USB-PD standard. Apple stopped putting these in the box a while ago, so you’re likely staring at a bunch of old white cubes wondering which one to use.
Which Brick Should You Actually Buy?
If you use an old 5W USB-A brick (the tiny square one) with a USB-A to USB-C adapter, your phone will charge. It’ll just take forever. It’s like trying to fill a swimming pool with a garden hose.
To hit the max charging speed of the iPhone 15 Plus, which peaks around 26W to 27W in real-world testing (even though Apple officially recommends a 20W adapter), you need something with a bit more kick.
The "Sweet Spot" Specs
- Minimum Wattage: 20W (gets you decent speeds).
- The Pro Choice: 30W or higher (covers the maximum draw of the phone).
- Protocol: Must support USB Power Delivery (USB-PD).
Honestly, using a 60W or 100W MacBook charger is perfectly safe. Your iPhone is smart. It won't "blow up" if you give it too much power; it only takes what it can handle. Expert testers at places like ChargerLAB have shown the iPhone 15 Plus consistently pulling around 25W to 26W when using a high-wattage brick.
The Cable Confusion: Do You Need an E-Marker?
You might hear tech geeks talking about "E-marker" chips in cables. For the iPhone 15 Plus, you can mostly ignore that.
E-marker chips are necessary for cables that carry more than 60W of power or high-speed USB 3.0/4.0 data. Since your iPhone 15 Plus caps out at roughly 27W and USB 2.0 speeds, a standard, high-quality USB-C to USB-C cable—like the braided one that comes in the box—is all you really need.
If you buy a cheap $2 gas station cable, though, be careful. Those often lack proper shielding or use thin wires that can't even maintain a steady 20W. Stick to brands like Anker, Belkin, or UGREEN. They’re reliable, and they won't fry your $900 phone.
👉 See also: How Do You Reset an iPhone 8: What Most People Get Wrong
What About Your Old Lightning Accessories?
Apple sells a USB-C to Lightning Adapter. It’s $29. Is it worth it? Maybe, if you have a really expensive pair of Lightning headphones or a car setup that’s hardwired. But for most people, it's cheaper and less annoying to just buy a new USB-C cable.
Wireless Charging: MagSafe vs. Qi2
The iPhone 15 Plus also supports Qi2. This is a big deal.
Previously, if you wanted 15W fast wireless charging, you had to buy an official Apple MagSafe charger. If you used a generic "Qi" pad, you were throttled to 7.5W. Sorta annoying, right?
With Qi2 (which uses magnets just like MagSafe), you can now get those faster 15W speeds from third-party chargers that are often much cheaper than Apple’s own version. If you’re buying a wireless stand in 2026, make sure it says Qi2 certified.
Why Your Phone Might Be Charging Slowly
If you’ve got the right iPhone 15 Plus charger type but it’s still crawling, check your settings.
Apple introduced a feature in iOS 18 (and refined in iOS 19/20) that tells you if you’re using a "Slow Charger." You can see this under Settings > Battery.
If you see a yellow bar in your battery graph, your charger is underpowered. Usually, this happens if you're plugged into a laptop's USB port or an old car's built-in USB-A port. Those often only put out 5W or 7.5W.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
Don't overthink it. Just do this:
- Check your brick: Look for "20W" or "30W" printed on it in tiny text. If it says 5W, toss it in the junk drawer for emergencies only.
- Buy a 30W GaN charger: Gallium Nitride (GaN) chargers are tiny and stay cool. Anker's Nano series is a solid bet.
- Grab a 6ft braided cable: The 3ft cable in the box is too short for most nightstands. A 6ft (2-meter) cable from a reputable brand will make your life much better.
- Use your MacBook charger: If you have one, use it. It’s one less thing to carry when you travel.
- Clean your port: USB-C ports are bigger than Lightning ports and love to collect pocket lint. If your cable feels "mushy" when you plug it in, use a wooden toothpick to gently clean it out.
The transition to USB-C on the iPhone 15 Plus is ultimately a win for everyone. It simplifies your life, even if you have to buy one or two new pieces of gear to get started. Just make sure those pieces support Power Delivery, and you’re golden.