I have a 4th generation iPad Air and I still have the same problem: Every time I want to recharge it I have to go get its original charger. Not because no one else is charging, after all the jump to the USB-C connector is a benefit for everyone, but because some incompatible cables, in the long run, do more harm than good.
All iPads come with a USB cable and a 20W charger. Unlike iPhones, iPads are durable. And this charger has a memory that hardly anyone reads but which gives clues to its power management standard.
The charger must support PD (Power Delivery)
If you want to charge iPad with unofficial charger, the charging cable and plug should support PD. What is PS? To sum up, among the charging standards, there are three that are the most popular. Let’s review them:
- Programmable power supply (PPS): This standard allows gradual changes between current and voltage. As a result, the energy loss during the conversion is reduced. Less residual heat is also generated.
- Power supply (PD): This is the official standard used by Apple, introduced by the USB Implementers Forum, and designed to ensure devices can get the most out of every volt. The latest version, PD 3.0, also supports the PPS protocol.
- Quick Charge (QC): another fast charging protocol, a standard in mobile phones, since it was developed by Qualcomm. It is currently in its fifth iteration and focuses on Android smartphones.
What is MFI Certificate
On the other hand, when we buy an unofficial charger, it is worth noting that it is an MFi product, that is, Made For iPhone / iPad / iPod (made for iPhone / iPad / iPod ). This certification accredits that the product has been qualified positively in the rigorous tests designed by Apple. But not all chargers compatible with iPad or iPhone require this certificateas discussed below.
In short, the safest chargers are compatible with PPS and PD and often carry the “MFi” stamp. And why is it important to consider these acronyms? For a small impression that we usually ignore. Apple released a series of recommendations a while back on Optimized Charging, Fast Charging, and in short, following them to the letter will ensure that your iPad has a longer lifespan.
The best chargers for your iPad
If you misuse non-compliant/approved chargers, the iPad will reduce the incoming voltage for safety reasons. It’s not even recommended to leave the iPad on charge in perpetuity – which is what those of us who have a desk with a base usually do, so that it never goes to zero – nor fill it up to 100%, being advised to fluctuate between percentages ranging from 20% to 80%.
Of course, there are cheap and highly creditworthy options for charging your iPad. Here are my recommendations:
- At 12W, I recommend this versatile COIPUAN charger, equipped with an MFi chip and compatible with the various current iPads and iPhones.
- At 20W, I recommend this charger from the famous French brand JSAUX, compatible with ower Delivery 3.0 fast charging.
- With the same power, this UGREEN charger is another recommended option.
- Anker are the real experts in this field. We recommend this 511 (Nano 3) charger, a GaN charger with extra power.
- Finally, if you want more power and compatibility, this Anker Nano II charger is compatible with 45W and PPS. A compact, Apple-certified GaN II. It’s my safe bet.
