Apple has unveiled this fall’s new iPhone models, and the big talking point is, of course, iPhone Duo. But whether you’re eyeing an iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, or Apple’s first foldable iPhone, upgrading your phone doesn’t have to mean replacing all your accessories too.
On the contrary, Apple continues to build on standards like USB-C, MagSafe, and Qi2. That means a lot of what you already use can come along with the new phone. For anyone who plans their accessories a little ahead of time, the next phone upgrade becomes much easier. Here are a few types of Satechi accessories that still work well with Apple’s latest iPhone generation.
USB-C is still the foundation
Apple is sticking with USB-C on its new phones, and even the unusual iPhone Duo has a standard USB-C port. On Duo, it’s used not only for charging but also for USB 3 data transfer at up to 10 Gbit/s and DisplayPort. That means cables you already use with, for example, a MacBook or iPad can often also be used with the phone.
A good USB-C cable can therefore be a much longer-lasting purchase than an accessory made for a specific phone model. Satechi’s right-angle USB-C cable is one example. It supports up to 240 W USB PD 3.1 EPR, 20 Gbit/s data transfer, and video up to 4K/60 Hz. For an iPhone, 240 W is of course far more than is needed, but the same cable can also be used with much more power-hungry devices.
Your USB-C charger doesn’t need replacing
The same goes for the wall charger itself. According to Apple, iPhone Duo can charge to 50 percent in about 20 minutes with a power adapter of at least 60 W and a USB-C cable. If you already have a powerful USB-C charger, there’s no reason to buy a new one just for the phone.
Satechi’s 100W GaN Dual USB-C and USB-A PD travel charger is a good example of a charger that can do much more than power a phone. With two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, the same adapter can be used for a phone, tablet, and laptop. That’s also one of the benefits of choosing a little more power than the phone alone requires: the charger can remain useful even as the rest of your tech bag changes.
Qi2 also works with iPhone Duo
Before the launch, one of the big questions was how wireless charging would work with Apple’s foldable phone. Now we know the answer. iPhone Duo has both MagSafe and support for Qi2 charging at up to 25 W. The iPhone 18 Pro models also work with Apple’s latest 25 W Qi2 charger.
That also means existing Qi2 chargers are still useful. Satechi OntheGo 3-in-1, for example, can charge a compatible iPhone at up to 15 W while also powering Apple Watch and AirPods. It’s foldable and comes with a travel case, so one charger can replace several separate cables when you travel.
If you want full speed, there’s 25 W Qi2
Of course, the fact that an older Qi2 charger still works doesn’t mean it will always deliver the fastest possible charging speed on the new phones. If you want to reach 25 W wirelessly, you need a charger that also supports the higher output.
That’s where Satechi’s new 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand comes in, with Qi2 support of up to 25 W. It can charge iPhone, Apple Watch, and wireless earbuds at the same time, and folds flat for packing. A 45 W USB-C adapter and international plug adapters are also included. That makes it especially interesting for anyone buying an iPhone 18 Pro or Duo and wanting to take advantage of faster wireless charging.
The power bank can come along too
It’s not just the chargers at home that survive a generational shift. Magnetic Qi2 power banks also remain useful with Apple’s new phones thanks to support for magnetic Qi2 charging.
Satechi OntheGo Qi2 5K Magnetic Power Bank combines a 5,000 mAh battery with magnetic Qi2 charging at up to 15 W. It also has a built-in stand and USB-C with up to 20 W, giving you the choice between wireless and wired charging. The larger OntheGo Qi2 10K instead gives you 10,000 mAh if you prioritize more battery capacity.
Not everything needs to be bought again
Cases are still a different story, of course. An iPhone Duo has very different dimensions and construction from a traditional iPhone, and even between standard generations, cameras, buttons, and sizes change. There, you still have to expect model-specific accessories.
But chargers, cables, and power banks are another matter. USB-C and Qi2 have made it much easier to build an accessory collection that can survive several phone upgrades. If you already have good Satechi gear at home, there’s a fair chance that the only thing you’ll actually need to replace when the new phone arrives is the phone itself — and possibly the case.
USB-C makes iPhone more than just a phone
USB-C isn’t only about which cable you use to charge. On the new iPhone models, the same port can also be used for storage, memory cards, external displays, and other accessories. That makes accessories that were once mainly associated with MacBook and iPad much more interesting with iPhone too.
A good example is the Satechi OntheGo 5-in-1 Multiport Adapter. The compact hub can be magnetically attached to the back of a compatible iPhone and then connected via USB-C. From there, you get HDMI with up to 4K/60 Hz, an SD card reader, USB-A, USB-C for data, and USB-C Power Delivery up to 60 W. That makes it possible, for example, to transfer photos directly from a camera’s SD card, connect external storage, or hook the phone up to a larger display without needing several separate adapters.
I’d also add a little more detail about the cable section, since the pink cable in the image is a fun product that stands apart from the more technical 240 W cable:
The cable can be an accessory in itself
Another benefit of USB-C is that the same cable can serve several purposes. Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable, for example, combines a USB-C to USB-C cable with an adjustable phone strap. The cable supports up to 60 W Power Delivery and data transfer at up to 480 Mbit/s, while also being wearable around the neck or across the body.
It may not be the cable you choose for maximum transfer speed, but it clearly shows how USB-C opens the door to other types of accessories. Instead of carrying both a phone strap and a charging cable, you get both in one product, and because the connection is standard USB-C, the cable can also be used to charge, for example, an iPad or MacBook.
FAQ
Will my old USB-C chargers work with iPhone 18 and iPhone Duo?
Yes, a compatible USB-C PD charger can continue to be used. How fast the phone charges depends on the power the charger can deliver, though. For iPhone Duo, Apple specifies an adapter of at least 60 W to reach up to 50 percent battery in about 20 minutes.
Can I use an existing Qi2 charger with iPhone Duo?
Yes. iPhone Duo supports both MagSafe and Qi2. An existing Qi2 charger can therefore continue to be used, although charging speed depends on the power the charger supports. Duo can use Qi2 charging at up to 25 W.
Do I need a new 25 W Qi2 charger?
Not necessarily. A 15 W Qi2 charger still works if it’s compatible, but the phone won’t charge at the highest possible wireless speed. If you want to take advantage of up to 25 W, the charger also needs to support it.
Which Satechi charger is best for travel?
OntheGo 3-in-1 is a convenient option if you want to charge iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods with a single foldable solution. If you also want to take advantage of up to 25 W Qi2, Satechi’s newer 3-in-1 Foldable Wireless Charging Stand with 25 W support is available.
Can I use the same Satechi charger for iPhone, iPad, and MacBook
Yes, with a sufficiently powerful USB-C PD charger. A 100 W model, for example, can be used for iPhone as well as iPad and many MacBook models. That’s exactly what makes USB-C accessories practical to keep through multiple generations of devices.
