Apple’s Outdated Charging Tech in 2025: A Frustrating Reality

Apple has always prided itself on innovation, yet some of its decisions have left consumers scratching their heads. One of the biggest frustrations in 2025? Apple is still selling 20W and 35W dual-port charging adapters when Android manufacturers have moved beyond 65W fast charging. While Apple continues to refine its ecosystem with new software features and hardware advancements, it lags significantly in one key area: charging speeds.

You’ve just unboxed your shiny new iPhone 16 Pro. It’s sleek, powerful, and costs as much as a used car. But when you plug it into Apple’s included 20W charger, you realize something’s off: your friend’s $300 Android phone hits 100% in 25 minutes, while your iPhone crawls to 50% in the same time.

Apple’s Stagnation in Charging Speeds

While Apple continuously improves its processors, cameras, and displays, its charging speeds remain painfully slow compared to the competition. The persistence of 20W and 35W chargers in 2025 is a glaring issue that Apple refuses to address.

• Competitive Disadvantage – Most Android flagships now support at least 65W fast charging, with some brands pushing past 120W. Apple’s 20W and 35W chargers look outdated in comparison, making iPhones feel technologically behind despite their premium status.
• User Experience Takes a Hit – Apple users are forced to wait significantly longer to charge their devices. This becomes especially frustrating when traveling or in urgent situations where fast charging is crucial.
• Misaligned Priorities – Instead of focusing on genuinely useful hardware upgrades, Apple invests in software tweaks and unnecessary feature refinements, ignoring the hardware gaps that users actually care about.
• Apple’s Justification – The company claims that slower charging speeds help preserve battery health. While this is true to some extent, Android manufacturers have already introduced intelligent charging algorithms to balance speed and battery longevity without sacrificing performance.

Charging Speed Face-Off (2025)

Device	Adapter Included	0–50% Time	Full Charge Time
iPhone 17 Pro	40W	20 mins	~50 m
Samsung Galaxy S25	45W	12 mins	35 mins
OnePlus 12T	100W	9 mins	22 mins
Google Pixel 9 Pro	30W	18 mins	55 mins

Why Apple Should Adopt Faster Charging Adapters

Apple's reluctance to embrace fast-charging technology is not only frustrating but also counterproductive. Here’s why the company needs to step up:

• Consumer Expectations Have Changed – Users now expect their premium smartphones to charge rapidly. With Android phones delivering ultra-fast charging, Apple users feel left out and shortchanged.
• Apple’s Premium Pricing Should Justify Modern Tech – With iPhones costing upwards of $1,000, buyers expect cutting-edge technology, including charging speeds that match or surpass competitors.
• Sustainability & E-Waste Concerns – Apple promotes environmental consciousness, yet users are forced to buy third-party fast chargers to get decent speeds, contradicting the company’s sustainability claims.
• Business Opportunity – Apple could easily sell official 65W+ chargers at a premium price. Users would be willing to pay for an Apple-certified fast charger rather than resorting to third-party brands.

What Apple Needs to Do Next

If Apple wants to maintain its dominance in the premium smartphone market, it must address the charging speed issue. Here’s what needs to change:

• Introduce 65W+ Charging Support – Apple should integrate at least 65W fast charging into its flagship iPhones to match industry standards.
• Sell High-Power Adapters Separately – While Apple has removed chargers from the box for environmental reasons, offering an official 65W+ adapter as an optional purchase would be a smart move.
• Optimize Battery Longevity with AI – Instead of limiting charging speeds, Apple can implement smart AI-based battery management to balance speed and long-term battery health.
• Improve Wireless Charging Efficiency – Apple should also enhance MagSafe charging speeds to be on par with wired fast charging options from competitors.

My Final thoughts

Apple’s decision to stick with 20W and 35W chargers in 2025 is a major letdown for iPhone users. While the company continues to innovate in other areas, its reluctance to embrace faster charging solutions puts it at a competitive disadvantage.

With consumers demanding faster and more efficient charging solutions, Apple needs to rethink its strategy. If the tech giant truly values user experience, it must prioritize hardware advancements that make a tangible difference—starting with ditching outdated charging speeds for good. The ball is in Apple’s court; will they finally listen?