iPhone X and iPhone 8 Charge to 50% in 30 Minutes With Fast-Charge Feature

Tuesday September 12, 2017 4:55 PM PDT by Juli Clover
Though not mentioned on stage at today's event, both the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 are "fast-charge capable," which means the two devices can be charged to 50 percent battery life in 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, that fast-charging feature is not available using accessories that are sold alongside the two devices. To charge at that level, the iPhone X and the iPhone 8 need to be plugged into Apple's 29W, 61W, or 87W USB-C Power Adapters, which are sold alongside its USB-C MacBook and MacBook Pro models.


The least expensive USB-C Power Adapter is the 29W version for the MacBook, priced at $49. The 61W USB-C Power Adapter for the 13-inch MacBook Pro is $69, and the 87W USB-C Power Adapter for the 15-inch MacBook Pro is $79.

To go along with the USB-C Power Adapter, a USB-C to Lightning Cable is also required. Apple charges $25 for a 1 meter cable and $35 for a 2 meter cable.

That means the cheapest solution for fast charging is going to cost iPhone owners an additional $74.

Both devices also support wireless charging using Qi-compatible wireless charging accessories. Product listings for the Belkin and Mophie wireless charging accessories say that high-speed wireless charging (7.5 watts) will be enabled via an update coming later this year, but it won't match the fast-charging speeds available through the USB-C power adapter.

As for battery life, the iPhone X offers two hours of battery life over the iPhone 7, while the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus continue to offer the same battery life.

Related Roundups: iPhone 8, iPhone X
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 8 (Don't Buy), iPhone X (Caution)
120 comments


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modemthug
12 months ago
The Android fanboys are going to have a field day with this

And for once, they’re right

This is obscene
Rating: 56 Votes
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Kevlar
12 months ago
Pay a premium for a device. And they don't include the hardware to be able to utilize one of the largest features. Sad day.
Rating: 38 Votes
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needfx
12 months ago
this company is getting more ridiculous by the minute
Rating: 32 Votes
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JGIGS
12 months ago

I’m surprised they didn’t talk about it but perhaps focusing on wireless. It was clear on the spec sheet though, while the power adapter suitability wasn’t clear unless you go looking for it. Its strangely a feature they’re pushing to the side.


They didn't talk about it because they would have got booed off the stage mentioning the charger that you need to use the feature doesn't come in the box. Trust me that's exactly why it wasn't mentioned.
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Cool that it has this, but I bet that 99.9% of users will never make use of it. How often do you suddenly need a high wattage block charger to get 50% in half an hour? I’m sure there’s a niche of users that would, but really not a big deal for the majority. As for bundling in the box, not sure if it’s a good idea that everyone is charging at such a high wattage when doing their daily charge.

Still cool anyway.



Really? Heavy users could benefit from quick charging pretty frequently. I know I do.
Rating: 19 Votes
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AppleFan91
12 months ago
Wow. So the phone is $999 and can’t include a fast charger? The damn Note is $930 and includes a fast charger, a fast wireless charger and 128GB SD card. Ridiculous.
Rating: 19 Votes
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Cloudkicker
12 months ago

The Android fanboys are going to have a field day with this

And for once, they’re right

This is obscene


My Moto X Play (bought late-) 2015 had a turbo charge. I replaced it a few weeks ago w/ Samsung A5 ("2017") & it, too has it.

This is why us Android users spaz when people say Samsung/others copy Apple. I see an article here today on a flexible phone by Samsung. If it pans out, it'll be called a gimmick until about 2021 when Apple gets around to doing it, too (OLED is Apple's late attempt today). Sigh.

Apple, I want to love you but your decisions & elitist customers' distortion makes it difficult. Another sign.
Rating: 16 Votes
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poppy10
12 months ago

Cool that it has this, but I bet that 99.9% of users will never make use of it. How often do you suddenly need a high wattage block charger to get 50% in half an hour? .

All the time

I've been out working all day,.come home and have half an hour to get changed and go out for a dinner party. It's great to be able to top up my phone back to more than half full to last me the rest of the night

Or, I've been on a plane and used up all my battery. When I land and get to my hotel I can quickly charge up and then head on out
Rating: 14 Votes
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rGiskard
12 months ago
It's a nice feature for MacBook owners who already have the appropriate charger. But $50 minimum for an AC adapter that costs maybe $5 to manufacture is outright theft.
Rating: 9 Votes
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JGIGS
12 months ago
I'm sorry having to by another power adapter. WOW. I mean really Apple?
Rating: 9 Votes
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69Mustang
12 months ago
"Extra cost for fast charging? Booooo."
- A lot of Apple fans

"Hey that building ain't gonna pay for itself."
- Tim Cook probably:p:D
Rating: 8 Votes
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