iPhone Fast Charging to Require USB-C Authentication to Work

A new report suggests that third-party fast chargers will need USB Type-C Authentication to deliver optimal charging speeds to this year’s iPhones.

Apple is largely expected to debut a newly redesigned 18W power adapter with this year’s iPhone lineup. That adapter would, in conjunction with a USB-C to Lightning cable, deliver fast charging to iPhones out of the box..

But Japanese tech site Mac Otakara reported that third-party chargers and cables may need to carry a certified USB-C Authentication (C-AUTH) to be compatible with the 2018 iPhone lineup.

Citing supply chain sources, Mac Otakara suggested that 2018 iPhones may display a warning if plugged into a non-certified charger or cable. The iPhones would then put a dismal 2.5W cap on charging speeds — slower than the standard 5W power brick packaged with current iPhones.

Benefits

But C-AUTH isn’t inherently a bad thing. On this year’s iPhones, it could mitigate the risk of malicious hardware or software in USB devices. That suggests that it may have been a security decision for Apple.

The C-AUTH certification requirement may also lessen the risk of users relying on shoddy, counterfeit third-party chargers and cables. They may be cheap, but experts say they are actually extremely dangerous to use.

It’s worth noting that a previous Mac Otakara report claimed that, due to supply constraints, Apple’s 18W power adapter may not be available to purchase separately for some time after the 2018 iPhone release. In other words, the only way to get one for a while may be to buy a new iPhone.

Which Chargers Will Be Compatible?

Thankfully, the C-AUTH certification is used by a slew of popular third-party brands and vendors — the organization that fields the standard is made up of over 1,000 member firms.

USB Type-C Authentication-compliant accessories are widely available. Amazon even blocked non-compliant USB-C accessories from its storefront – “Examples of prohibited listings: Any USB-C (or USB Type-C) cable or adapter product that is not compliant with standard specifications issued by ‘USB Implementers Forum Inc.'”

Just try to make sure the fast chargers or cables you’re about to buy are compliant, or else you might be charging your new iPhone at a snail’s pace – but chances are, they will be.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]