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iPhone X and 8 will fast-charge with third-party cables

But you'll still need one specialized Apple-only cord to make it all work.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
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Fast charging is a godsend when the clock is ticking and you have somewhere to be. That's why we were excited to learn that Apple's new iPhone X ,  iPhone 8  and iPhone 8 Plus  will support quick charging, even though you have to buy a Lightning-to-USB-C cable in order to take advantage of faster top-ups.

iPhone 8

You can rig it to charge the new iPhones faster.

 Sarah Tew/CNET

Now, a new tidbit has emerged (via MacRumors). You still have to buy that cord specifically from Apple, but you'll have a little more freedom about where you purchase the second part, the fast-charging USB-C adapter. 

That's the one you plug into the USB-C dongle that you've now stuck into the new iPhone.

According to Apple, you can use a fast-charging wall charger that is either:

  • Apple 29W, 61W, or 87W USB-C Power Adapter
  • A comparable third-party USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD)
Watch this: How good is the iPhone 8?

Those specs come directly from Apple's site, by the way.

Once you get all your gear together, you'll be able to charge up to 50 percent of the phone's capacity in 30 minutes, just as you can on Android phones that already support a faster charging protocol.

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