How to charge your iPhone with the new MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro keyboard
MacBook Pro keyboard (Image credit: Rene Ritchie/iMore)

On Apple's lineup of MacBook Pros, the only ports you will find are Thunderbolt 3 (AKA USB-C). Don't worry; you'll have more than one — at least two with the non-Touch Bar 13-inch model, and four with the two other models — but it does mean that anything you want to connect will need a USB-C connection, and that includes your iPhone. That means the standard USB to Lightning cable that comes with your iPhone won't be able to plug into the phone directly; however, there are a couple of solutions out there.

Option A: USB-C to USB adapter

Just a simple little dongle that turns a Thunderbolt 3 port into a USB port, so you can use the original cord that came with your iPhone.

The bonus of having the USB-C to USB adapter lying around is its versatility. Many of your devices probably make use of the standard USB port, meaning you can also use this dongle to connect your printer, Apple Watch charging cradle, external microphone, and much more.

You can pick up Apple's adapter for around $19, and there are a ton of third-party options you can look into if you're hankering for something cheaper.

Option B: USB-C to Lightning cable

If you're worried about losing a little dongle, you can opt to get a USB-C to Lightning cable instead. This cable allows you to plug your iPhone directly into the Thunderbolt 3 port on your new MacBook Pro; no fuss, no muss.

You can pick up Apple's official cable for about $25. Once again, some searching around the net could probably even net you some savings on third-party options.

See at Apple

Option C: Third-party adapters

Nonda USB-C adapter

nonda USB-C Adapter (Image credit: nonda)

We all want options. You don't have to use Apple's own USB-C adapters. There are plenty of MFi high-quality adapters on the market. Whether you want a multi-port adapter, a single-use adapter, or even a replacement port, you've got options.

Best USB-C adapters for MacBook Pro

Questions?

Any other questions about connecting your iPhone or iPad to the new MacBook Pro? Leave us a comment below.

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.