Apple's new 18W USB-C PD, A1695 AC adapter is included in the recently launched 2018 iPad Pro. It signifies two big changes on Apple's part.
- Adoption of USB Power Delivery (PD) beyond MacBook and MacBook Pro
- Higher wattage OEM power plug for the new iPad Pro. in comparison, iPad and iPad Pro of earlier models were shipped with 5V/2.4A (or 12W) plugs. With the new PD plug, the new iPad Pro can charge at 18W.
Now it begs the question: Will Apple make this charger standard in the box for new iPhones and iPads in its next round of product launches? We would think it's a logical step for Apple to take.
What can the 18W USB PD Wall Charger do?
- Fast charges iPhone XS Max at 9.1V with power upward toward 18W
- Fast charges iPhone XS at 9.1V with power upward toward 13W
- Fast charges iPhone XR at 9.1V with power upward toward 18W
- Fast charges iPhone X at 9.1V with power upward toward 15W
These are all great results and were largely expected.
What doesn't the A1695 do?
- Doesn't support old Apple 5V/2.4A charging or competing fast-charging protocols like Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0/3.0, Samsung AFC, or Huawei FCP/SCP.
- Doesn't charge Nintendo Switch at a voltage higher than 5V.
Tech Specs of the A1695
- Input: 100-240V ~ 50-60Hz 0.5A
- Output 5V 𝌂 3A, 9V 𝌂 2A
Additionally, the size of this plug is about two-thirds of an Apple 30W USB PD AC adapter. The prongs are fixed in place and are not foldable.
ZMI Alternatives to the Apple Plug
We offer a drop-in replacement for the Apple 18W PD plug at about two-thirds the weight and half the price. Two-color options (black/white) are available. Better yet, our charger is a USB-IF certified power brick (the USB-IF certification is administered by the authoritative body that created the USB PD fast charging protocol). Check it out below:
https://www.zmiusa.com/products/zmi-usb-c-pd-power-adapter
Size Comparison of Apple 18W PD Plug (left), ZMI Alternative Plug/White (middle) & /Black (right)
Update (09/10/2019)
Apple announced at its iPhone 11 keynote event that iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Max will ship with an 18W USB-C plug and a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Update (12/05/2018)
The 18W USB-C power adapter can now be purchased for $29 apiece on Apple Store. The charger is sold standalone, so iPhone users will still need to get an official Apple USB-C to Lightning cable or an MFi certified 3rd-party cable to fast charge their iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XS, XS Max, XR, and 11.