iPhone 15's USB-C Port Can Charge Your Apple Watch and AirPods

Now that the iPhone 15 models have a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, it is possible to use an ‌iPhone‌ 15 to charge the AirPods or Apple Watch directly.

iPhone 15 USB C Port Event Still
You'll need an appropriate cable to charge with an ‌iPhone‌, such as a USB-C to USB-C cable for the new AirPods Pro 2 USB-C Charging Case, or a USB-C Apple Watch charging puck, but it's a useful function that wasn't available with Lightning.

Apple highlighted the new functionality in its iPhone 15 Pro announcement and it makes sense because USB-C Macs can be used for charging the AirPods and Apple Watch, but it is novel because we aren't accustomed to charging accessories with an ‌iPhone‌.

If your AirPods or Apple Watch run out of battery while you don't have access to a charger, it is convenient to be able to use the ‌iPhone‌'s battery for a little extra juice rather than carrying around a battery pack.

USB-C brings other conveniences, such as the ability to use the same charging cable for Macs, iPads, iPhones, and other USB-C accessories. On the ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro models, it also brings faster USB 3 transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s, provided you're using the right cable. ‌iPhone‌ 15 models are limited to USB 2 charging speeds, the same as the Lighting port.

Related Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...

Top Rated Comments

vegetassj4 Avatar
32 months ago
So if I take two iPhones and connect them together, can they charge each other, generating unlimited energy.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RDowson Avatar
32 months ago
What about older AirPods with the Lightning connector on the case? Can they charge from the phone with a USB-C to Lightning cable?
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
32 months ago

Question, could I use the charger from my MacBook Pro 13 inch to charge the iPhone or would that kill it?
You can do this. No issues.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
32 months ago
The real question is this: Can you connect the MagSafe charger and make the iPhone charge itself?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Black.Infinity Avatar
32 months ago
Not as convenient as putting your AirPods on the back of your phone to charge. But it’s great for emergency situations. ?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cateye Avatar
32 months ago

Question, could I use the charger from my MacBook Pro 13 inch to charge the iPhone or would that kill it?
of course. The item being charged only draws the power it needs or can support and no more. I use the 96 watt brick from my 16 MacBookPro to charge other, much smaller devices all the time.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)