- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max promise 50 percent charge in 20 minutes.
- To unlock those speeds, you’ll need Apple’s new $39 40W Dynamic Power Adapter.
- Currently, it’s the only charger that supports the USB-PD 3.2 SPR AVS spec.
- Third-party chargers work but take closer to 30 minutes for the same charge.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are here, bringing the usual mix of design polish, upgraded cameras, and performance improvements. But this time there’s another story stealing the spotlight: charging speeds.
Apple says these devices can go from zero to 50 percent battery in as little as 20 minutes. That’s lightning quick compared to the past. The catch? You’re going to need a very specific charger to unlock those speeds, and of course, it’s one Apple is selling separately for $39.
Fast Charge Dreams, Expensive Reality
Apple’s marketing promises are eye-catching: half a charge in 20 minutes. That’s the kind of spec that makes you rethink whether you still need to carry a power bank everywhere. But behind the promise is a very specific technical requirement.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max use the new USB-PD 3.2 SPR AVS standard. It’s a relatively fresh version of USB Power Delivery designed to handle dynamic power changes more efficiently. Translation: it allows the phone and charger to talk smarter to each other so the iPhone can sip power in a way that’s both safe and fast.
Here’s the issue: at the moment, there’s only one charger on the market that actually supports this spec, and it just so happens to be Apple’s very own 40W Dynamic Power Adapter. The charger arrived quietly alongside the iPhone 17 lineup and retails for $39. So if you want the headline charging speeds, you’re not just buying the phone. You’re also adding another accessory to the shopping cart.
The Charger Monopoly Club: Members Only
What makes this more interesting is that Apple isn’t selling the new charger everywhere. Right now, it’s only available in certain regions. Customers in the European Union, for example, won’t even see it listed in their Apple Store. That leaves buyers with little choice: either live with slower speeds or find a way to import one.
Of course, any regular USB-C charger will still power up the iPhone 17 Pro. The phone isn’t locked to Apple hardware. But unless it speaks the same USB-PD 3.2 SPR AVS language, you won’t hit the peak 20-minute benchmark.
For comparison, with a widely available third-party charger like Anker’s 45W Nano, users can expect around a 50 percent charge in about 30 minutes. That’s not shabby at all, and honestly plenty fast for most people. But if you’re the kind who wants bragging rights about owning the “fastest-charging iPhone ever,” Apple’s charger is currently the only ticket in town.
The Twenty vs Thirty Minute Showdown
It might sound like splitting hairs. Is waiting an extra 10 minutes really a dealbreaker? For many, probably not. But Apple knows the psychology of numbers. “50 percent in 20 minutes” has a dramatic ring to it. It suggests a phone that can be revived almost instantly during a coffee stop or before rushing out the door.
In practice, a 30-minute charge with a third-party accessory may still be more than enough. The difference will matter most for those who travel constantly, rely heavily on their phones for work, or just hate the idea of waiting. For that group, Apple has positioned its $39 adapter as a must-have.
Accessory Makers Are Watching Closely
Apple’s control over the charging story won’t last forever. Accessory makers like Anker, Belkin, and Aukey are already studying the new standard, and it’s only a matter of time before chargers supporting USB-PD 3.2 SPR AVS start hitting the shelves.
The question is when. Since the specification is new and the iPhone 17 series is the first high-profile device to use it, companies may wait to see how many consumers actually demand these speeds before rushing to update their products. The larger the adoption, the faster third-party chargers will arrive.
Until then, early adopters who want the very best speeds will likely be stuck with Apple’s solution. And let’s be honest: Apple isn’t complaining about that.
The Bigger Battery Story Still Unfolding
While the new charging speeds have captured attention, many buyers are just as curious about battery life. Apple has teased “great” endurance on the iPhone 17 line, but real-world usage will decide if the claim holds up. The super-slim iPhone 17 Air, in particular, has raised eyebrows about how much battery it can pack inside such a thin frame.
Faster charging helps offset shorter battery life, of course. If a phone can charge quickly enough, the inconvenience of topping up during the day becomes less of a burden. But whether the iPhone 17 series will actually deliver “all-day power” as Apple suggests is something buyers will find out when the devices ship.
Release Day Countdown
All four iPhone 17 models — the standard, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max — officially land in stores on Friday, September 19. Preorders are already live, and shipping dates are slipping for some models as demand kicks in.
Once the phones are in users’ hands, we’ll know a lot more about how quickly they really charge, how long they last, and whether the $39 Dynamic Power Adapter is worth its weight in watts.
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