- Use your iPhone to top up smaller devices
- Works with AirPods, Apple Watch, and even another iPhone
- All you need is the right USB-C cable
Modern iPhones with USB-C can do more than just charge themselves — they can also share power with other devices. It’s a surprisingly handy trick when something like AirPods or an Apple Watch is about to run flat and there’s no outlet in sight.
While an iPhone doesn’t have enough battery capacity to meaningfully charge larger hardware, it can comfortably top up smaller accessories and even give another iPhone a short boost. With the right cable, your phone effectively becomes a pocket-sized emergency charger.
Apple says this trick will work on any small device that supports USB Power Delivery at up to 4.5 watts, not just Apple gadgets. It can even be used to charge a second iPhone, which could save the day if a friend’s battery is about to die while you’re out – assuming you’ve got enough power to spare.
The charging cable that comes bundled with the iPhone 15 and 16 series has a USB-C connector on both ends, and can be used to charge any compatible USB-C device.
For older iPhones and AirPods, you’ll need a USB-C to Lightning cable.
For Apple Watch, you’ll need a magnetic charging cable with USB-C, or else a USB-C to USB adapter.
You can find all of the above cables at the Apple Store, but just between you and me, you can often find quality alternatives from third-party companies at a fraction of the cost.