iPhone 15 series Faces Charging Challenges with Certain USB-C Power Banks

Apple’s recent unveiling of the iPhone 15 series last month brought with it the addition of a USB-C port, expanding the device’s compatibility with USB-C cables, power banks, and other peripherals/accessories.

However, a recent reports suggest that not all USB Type-C battery packs are playing nicely with the new ‌iPhone 15‌, leading to charging irregularities.

Various users on platforms such as Reddit and the MacRumors forums have spotlighted that a selection of current USB-C power banks might be incompatible with the ‌iPhone 15‌ series. The speculated culprit?

–The iPhone’s “innovative” reverse charging feature.

Some users have found that instead of their ‌iPhone 15‌ drawing power from power banks, it inadvertently charges the battery pack.

Several power bank models appear to be affected, but due to the vast array of options available in the market, it’s challenging to pinpoint every incompatible model.

However, the Anker PowerCore Slim 10K PD 31 is one of the reported culprits. Anker, in response to a customer query, recommended using the USB-A port as a workaround to the problem. They stated “Due to the iPhone 15 series’ reverse charging function, the USB-C’s port charging of Anker PowerCore Slim 10k PD is impacted, and currently, there’s no known solution.”

Anker has since pledged to conduct further tests across their range of power banks to ascertain the extent of the issue and potentially find a resolution.

It’s worth noting that the ‌iPhone 15‌’s USB-C port boasts the ability to charge devices like Apple Watches, AirPods, and even other iPhones. Some experts suggest that this innovative feature might be the root of the issues with certain power banks.

While many USB-C power banks with Power Delivery are functioning correctly, as verified by MacRumors’ tests, ‌iPhone 15‌ users should tread cautiously and ensure the compatibility of their chosen power bank.

Apple iPhone 15 specs:
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display @ 2556×1179 pixels
120Hz adaptive refresh rates
Apple A16 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
48MP main 26mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture, OIS
12MP ultrawide 13mm, ƒ/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view
12MP front camera ƒ/1.9 aperture, 4K @ 60fps video
4K @ 60fps video recording
Dual eSIM
5G (sub‑6 GHz and mmWave) with 4×4 MIMO9
Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAA9
Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO10
Bluetooth 5.3
Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Thread networking technology
NFC with reader mode
GPS
FaceID
Emergency SOS via satellite
Roadside Assistance via satellite
USB Type-C
IP68 water and dust resistance
iOS 17
147.6 mm x 71.6 mm x 7.80 mm (dimensions)
171 grams (weight)
Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

Apple iPhone 15 Plus specs:
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display @ 2796×1290 pixels
120Hz adaptive refresh rates
Apple A16 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
48MP main 26mm, ƒ/1.6 aperture, OIS
12MP ultrawide 13mm, ƒ/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view
12MP front camera ƒ/1.9 aperture, 4K @ 60fps video
4K @ 60fps video recording
Dual eSIM
5G (sub‑6 GHz and mmWave) with 4×4 MIMO9
Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAA9
Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO10
Bluetooth 5.3
Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Thread networking technology
NFC with reader mode
GPS
FaceID
Emergency SOS via satellite
Roadside Assistance via satellite
USB Type-C
IP68 water and dust resistance
iOS 17
160.9 mm x 77.8 mm x 7.80 mm (dimensions)
201 grams (weight)
Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

Apple iPhone 15 Pro specs:
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display @ 2556×1179 pixels
120Hz adaptive refresh rates
Apple A17 Pro chip with 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
48MP main 24mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture, OIS
12MP ultrawide 13mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view
12MP telephoto 77mm, ƒ/2.8 aperture, OIS, 3x optical zoom
12MP front camera ƒ/1.9 aperture, 4K @ 60fps video
4K @ 60fps video recording
Dual eSIM
5G (sub‑6 GHz and mmWave) with 4×4 MIMO9
Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAA9
Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO10
Bluetooth 5.3
Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Thread networking technology
NFC with reader mode
Dual-frequency GPS
FaceID
Emergency SOS via satellite
Roadside Assistance via satellite
USB Type-C
20W adapter
IP68 water and dust resistance
iOS 17
146.6 mm x 70.6 mm x 8.25 mm (dimensions)
187 grams (weight)
Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium

Apple iPhone 15 Pro max specs:
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display @ 2796×1290 pixels
120Hz adaptive refresh rates
Apple A17 Pro chip with 6-core CPU, 6-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine
256GB, 512GB, 1TB
48MP main 24mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture, OIS
12MP ultrawide 13mm, ƒ/2.2 aperture and 120° field of view
12MP telephoto 77mm, ƒ/2.8 aperture, OIS, 3x optical zoom
12MP front camera ƒ/1.9 aperture, 4K @ 60fps video
4K @ 60fps video recording
Dual eSIM
5G (sub‑6 GHz and mmWave) with 4×4 MIMO9
Gigabit LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAA9
Wi‑Fi 6E (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO10
Bluetooth 5.3
Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip
Thread networking technology
NFC with reader mode
Dual-frequency GPS
FaceID
Emergency SOS via satellite
Roadside Assistance via satellite
USB Type-C
20W adapter
IP68 water and dust resistance
iOS 17
159.9 mm x 76.7 mm x 8.25 mm (dimensions)
221 grams (weight)
Black Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium