With the introduction of fast charging technology in smartphones, many users are tempted to use chargers with higher wattage to charge their iPhones faster. However, charging an iPhone with a 100W charger may not be a good idea.
Does iPhone support 100W charging?
No, iPhones do not support 100W charging. The maximum charging wattage supported by iPhones is as follows:
| iPhone Model | Max Charging Wattage |
| iPhone 12/13/14 | 20W |
| iPhone 11 | 18W |
| iPhone XR/XS/XS Max | 15W |
| iPhone X | 15W |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus | 18W |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | 12W |
| Earlier iPhones | 10W |
As you can see, even the latest iPhone 14 series only supports up to 20W charging. Using a 100W charger with an iPhone will exceed its charging limit.
Risks of using 100W charger on iPhone
While an iPhone will only draw the wattage it needs and not the full 100W, there are still some risks to be aware of when using such a high wattage charger:
Overheating
Drawing more power than the iPhone battery requires will lead to excess heat generation. The high wattage charger may cause the battery and phone internals to overheat.
Faster battery degradation
Excessive heat can accelerate chemical aging of the iPhone battery, leading to faster capacity loss over time.
Damage to charging components
The high voltage/amperage from a 100W charger may potentially damage the iPhone’s charging circuitry and battery over time.
Safety hazards
Overheating batteries pose a safety risk of burns or even explosion in rare cases. Using a higher than recommended wattage charger increases this risk.
Benefits of using lower wattage chargers
Instead of a 100W charger, you should use an appropriate lower wattage iPhone charger to maximize safety and battery life. The benefits include:
Prevents overheating
Using a 10W, 18W or 20W charger as per your iPhone model will not cause overheating issues.
Slower battery aging
Charging at lower wattages generates less heat, putting less strain on the battery.
No risk of damage
The iPhone’s charging components are designed to work safely at the lower OEM-recommended wattages.
Saves money
A 20W USB-C PD charger costs much less than a 100W charger, with no advantage for iPhone charging.
Recommended chargers for iPhones
Instead of a 100W charger, use one of these recommended, safer, cheaper options for your iPhone model:
| iPhone Model | Recommended Charger |
| iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max | Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone 14/14 Plus | Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone 13/13 Pro/Pro Max | Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone 12/12 Pro/Pro Max | Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone 11 Pro/Pro Max | Apple 18W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone 11 | Apple 18W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone XR/XS/XS Max | Apple 15W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone X | Apple 15W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus | Apple 18W USB-C Power Adapter |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | Apple 12W USB Power Adapter |
| Earlier iPhones | Apple 5W USB Power Adapter |
Alternatives to charge iPhone faster
If you want to charge your iPhone faster safely, here are a few alternatives to try instead of using a 100W charger:
Use a higher wattage Apple charger
Apple’s 20W, 18W or 15W USB-C chargers will charge your iPhonemodel at peak speeds without risks.
Use a Lightning to USB-C cable
A USB-C to Lightning cable lets you charge newer iPhones at up to 20W with compatible chargers.
Use MagSafe wireless charging
On iPhone 12 or later, MagSafe can charge at up to 15W wirelessly without excess heat.
Use a 20W or lower PD charger
A third-party 20W Power Delivery charger will fast charge iPhone 14/13 at safe speeds.
Can I use a higher wattage charger occasionally?
It’s best to avoid using a higher wattage charger like 100W regularly. However, occasional use in an emergency will not immediately damage your iPhone.
For everyday charging, stick to Apple’s recommended adapter wattages for your device. Use the highest wattage charger only when you need to power up quickly before leaving home.
Conclusion
A 100W charger exceeds the maximum charging wattage limit of all iPhone models and could potentially damage the battery and internals over time due to overheating. For safe, fast charging, use an official Apple USB-C Power Adapter at up to 20W capacity.