Many Apple users often find themselves wondering if their iPhone charger can also be used to charge other Apple devices, such as iPads. With the proliferation of different chargers and devices in the market, it can be confusing to keep track of what works with what. If you are in possession of an iPhone 6s charger and you are eyeing that iPad 4 Retina model, let's clear up the confusion for you.
The iPhone 6s charger is an Apple Lightning to USB cable. This cable is designed to provide power to charge your iPhone from a USB power source like a wall adapter or a computer. The iPad 4 Retina model, on the other hand, uses a more powerful 12W USB power adapter to charge.
While the physical Lightning connector on the iPhone 6s is the same as the one on the iPad 4, the key difference lies in the wattage provided by the accompanying power adapters. The iPhone charger delivers 5W of power, which is sufficient for charging the smaller battery in an iPhone but may not provide enough power for the larger battery in an iPad to charge efficiently.
When you use an iPhone charger to charge an iPad 4 Retina model, the charging process may be significantly slower compared to using the 12W USB power adapter that comes with the iPad. This is because the iPhone charger is not optimized to deliver the higher wattage required by the iPad for faster charging.
However, if you find yourself in a pinch and need to charge your iPad 4 Retina model using your iPhone 6s charger, you can still do so. Keep in mind that it will take longer to fully charge the iPad due to the lower power output of the iPhone charger. It's a convenient option in emergencies or when you only have your iPhone charger on hand.
To summarize, yes, your iPhone 6s charger can technically charge an iPad 4 Retina model, but it may not be the most efficient method due to the lower wattage output of the iPhone charger. For optimal charging speed and efficiency, it is recommended to use the dedicated 12W USB power adapter that comes with the iPad.
Remember, using the appropriate power adapter for your device ensures that it charges efficiently and that you can enjoy uninterrupted usage of your Apple gadgets.