What comes in the iPhone 13 box

The iPhone 13 does not include a wireless charger. Apple removed the charger from all iPhone 13 models — the standard iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max. You get the phone itself, a USB-C to Lightning cable, and documentation. That's it.

This change started with the iPhone 12 in 2020. Apple said the reason was reducing electronic waste and shipping size, though the decision also meant customers who wanted to charge wirelessly had to buy a charger separately. If you already own a wireless charger from an older iPhone, it will work with the iPhone 13 — the wireless charging standard hasn't changed.

Key Takeaways

  • The iPhone 13 supports wireless charging but does not come with a wireless charger in the box.
  • Any Qi-standard wireless charger will work with the iPhone 13, including older chargers from previous iPhone models.
  • You can charge the iPhone 13 with the included USB-C to Lightning cable and a power adapter you already own or purchase separately.
  • MagSafe wireless chargers are designed specifically for iPhone 13 and align magnetically with the phone, but standard Qi chargers work just as well.

How wireless charging works on iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 has a built-in coil that receives wireless power. When you place it on a wireless charger, the two coils align and power transfers without a cable. This is called Qi wireless charging, a standard that most phone manufacturers use.

The iPhone 13 charges at up to 15 watts on a wireless charger. That's slower than wired charging — the included USB-C to Lightning cable can deliver up to 20 watts if you use a compatible power adapter — but wireless charging is convenient if you have a charger on your desk or nightstand.

What wireless chargers work with iPhone 13

Any charger that supports the Qi standard will work. This includes wireless chargers made by Anker, Belkin, Samsung, and dozens of other brands. You do not need an Apple-branded charger. If you have a wireless charger from an iPhone 11, iPhone 12, or any other recent phone, it will charge the iPhone 13.

Apple also makes MagSafe wireless chargers designed for the iPhone 13. These chargers have magnets that align with magnets inside the phone, so the charger stays centered and charges at the full 15 watts. MagSafe chargers are more expensive than standard Qi chargers, but they are not required — a regular Qi charger works fine, though it may not stay perfectly centered if you bump it.

Wired charging with the included cable

The iPhone 13 comes with a USB-C to Lightning cable. To use it, you need a power adapter with a USB-C port. If you have an older iPhone, your existing adapter probably has a USB-A port, not USB-C, so the cable won't fit.

Apple does not include a power adapter in the box. You can use any USB-C power adapter — from a laptop charger to a third-party brand — as long as it has enough power. For the iPhone 13, a 20-watt adapter is standard, though a 30-watt or higher adapter will also work and may charge slightly faster.

MagSafe versus standard wireless chargers

The main difference is alignment and speed. MagSafe chargers have magnets that pull the phone into the exact center, so it charges at the full 15 watts every time. Standard Qi chargers work at 15 watts too, but only if the phone is perfectly centered. If the phone shifts even slightly, the charging speed drops.

In practice, this means a MagSafe charger is more reliable if you use it while the phone is charging — for example, on a car dashboard or desk where you might pick it up and put it back down. A standard Qi charger is fine if you set the phone down and leave it alone. MagSafe chargers cost more, usually between $25 and $40, while basic Qi chargers start around $10 to $15.

Charging speed and battery health

Wireless charging is slower than wired charging. With a 15-watt wireless charger, the iPhone 13 takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to charge from empty. With the USB-C cable and a 20-watt adapter, it takes about 30 minutes to reach 50 percent and roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to fully charge.

Wireless charging generates slightly more heat than wired charging, which can affect battery lifespan over many years. If you charge wirelessly every single day, your battery may degrade slightly faster than if you used wired charging. For most people, this difference is not noticeable within the phone's typical lifespan of three to five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old wireless charger from an iPhone 12 or iPhone 11?

Yes. Any Qi wireless charger works with the iPhone 13. The wireless charging standard has not changed between iPhone models, so older chargers are fully compatible.

Do I need to buy a wireless charger separately?

No. You can charge the iPhone 13 with the included USB-C to Lightning cable and any USB-C power adapter. Wireless charging is optional and convenient, but not necessary.

What's the difference between MagSafe and regular wireless chargers?

MagSafe chargers have magnets that center the phone automatically and charge at full speed. Regular Qi chargers work just as fast if the phone is centered, but may charge slower if it shifts. MagSafe costs more but is more reliable if you move the phone while charging.

Will wireless charging damage my iPhone 13 battery?

No. Wireless charging is safe and will not damage the battery. It generates slightly more heat than wired charging, which may cause the battery to degrade marginally faster over many years, but the difference is minimal for most users.

Can I charge my iPhone 13 and AirPods at the same time on one wireless charger?

Not on a standard Qi charger — it charges one device at a time. Apple makes a MagSafe Duo charger that charges both an iPhone and AirPods simultaneously, but it costs around $30 and is sold separately.