Does an iPad Come with a Charger? What UK Buyers Should Know

Wondering, “Does an iPad come with a charger?” before buying one? Like recent iPhones, most current iPad models in the UK come with a charging cable, but not a USB-C wall charger. This can be confusing if you expect everything you need in the box.

Below, we’ll break down what Apple includes, why the plug is no longer standard, which charger works best for your iPad, as well as some top-rated charging solutions.

Quick Answer: Does an iPad Come With a Charger in the UK?

No, most iPads sold in the UK today do not come with a wall charger in the box. Instead, Apple now includes only a USB-C charging cable, meaning you will need to use an existing power adapter or buy one separately.

This applies to all current models, including the standard iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. The last iPad generation to include a charger was the 2022 lineup, but from 2024 onwards (starting with the iPad Air M2 and iPad Pro M4), Apple stopped bundling power adapters entirely in the UK.

Does an iPad Come With a Charger?

If you are buying a new iPad in the UK today, the answer is generally no: current iPad models do not come with a wall charger in the box.

Instead, Apple typically includes:

• The iPad itself
• A USB-C Charge Cable (1 metre)

The power adapter (wall plug) is no longer included with current iPads, so you will need to use an existing USB-C charger or buy one separately.

What about older iPads?

This is different from older iPads. For many years, iPads were sold with a mains power adapter included in the box.

According to Apple Support, these older iPad models included a 20W USB-C charger in the box:

• iPad (8th generation)
• iPad (9th generation)
• iPad (10th generation)
• iPad mini (6th generation)
• iPad Air (4th generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th and 6th generation)
• iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd and 4th generation)

Depending on the generation, older iPads also came with:

• 18W USB-C power adapters
• 12W USB-A power adapters
• 10W USB-A power adapters

Current situation (UK market)

However, this has changed for recent models. The first iPads to be sold in the UK without a bundled wall charger were the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2 models released in 2024.

Since this change, the following iPads are sold in the UK with no wall charger included (USB-C cable only):

• iPad A16 (11th generation)
• iPad mini A17 Pro (7th generation)
• iPad Air M2 and M4
• iPad Pro M4 and M5

Why Apple Stopped Including a Charger in the UK

Apple stopped including chargers in iPad boxes in the UK as part of a wider environmental and packaging strategy focused on reducing electronic waste and improving shipping efficiency.

Here are the key reasons behind the change:

• Reducing electronic waste (e-waste): Apple aims to cut down on unused power adapters by encouraging users to reuse existing chargers rather than receiving a new one with every device.
• Lowering carbon emissions through smaller packaging: Removing the charger reduces box size and weight, allowing more devices to be shipped at once and lowering transport-related emissions.
• Reducing the use of raw materials: Fewer bundled accessories means less plastic, metal, and other materials used in manufacturing power adapters.
• Improving packaging efficiency: Smaller packaging allows more efficient global logistics and reduces overall packaging waste.
• Encouraging charger reuse across devices: Apple assumes most users already own USB-C chargers from previous iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks, reducing the need for additional accessories.

This shift also aligns with broader European Union sustainability and electronics policy trends.

The EU’s Common Charger Directive (2022/2380) requires all smartphones and tablets sold in the region to support USB-C charging and encourages reducing unnecessary bundled chargers to limit e-waste and improve consumer flexibility.

While the law does not explicitly ban chargers in the box, it allows manufacturers to sell devices without a power adapter as long as a charger can be purchased separately. This has effectively encouraged companies like Apple to standardise “cable-only” packaging across the UK and EU markets.

Which Charger Does Your iPad Need?

All modern iPads in the UK use USB-C charging, but the best chargers for the iPad depend on your model and how fast you want it to charge.

For most users, a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charger is the best choice, as it automatically adjusts output based on the device and ensures safe, efficient charging.

Here’s a simple guide:

• iPad Pro (M5 / M4 models): Supports faster charging and performs best with higher-wattage USB-C chargers (around 30W–60W or above)
• iPad Air (M4 models): Works well with mid-range USB-C PD chargers (20W–30W+ recommended for faster charging)
• iPad (A16) and iPad mini (A17 Pro): Compatible with standard 20W USB-C chargers for everyday use

Older iPads with Lightning ports require a Lightning to USB-C or USB-A cable and a compatible adapter, but most current models in the UK have now fully transitioned to USB-C.

In general, using a higher-wattage USB-C charger will not harm your iPad, as it only draws the power it needs.

Can You Use an Existing Charger With Your iPad?

Yes, in most cases, you can use an existing charger with your iPad, as long as it is compatible with USB-C Power Delivery (PD) and provides enough power for stable charging.

Apple confirms that iPads can be charged using compatible third-party adapters or power supplies, including USB-C chargers from other Apple devices such as MacBooks, as long as they meet safety and power requirements.

This means:

• If you already own a USB-C iPhone charger (20W or higher), it will work with most iPads
• If you have a MacBook USB-C charger, it can also be used safely and will usually charge the iPad faster
• If you are using a low-power charger (e.g. older phone plugs or non-PD adapters), charging may be much slower or unreliable

Best Anker Charging Solutions for Your iPad

If you’re investing in new chargers for your iPad, the right option depends on your charging setup: simple daily charging at home, charging several devices from one plug, or staying powered while travelling.

Consider these reliable Anker chargers for iPhone and more:

Anker Nano Charger (45W) with USB-C Cable

For most users, the Anker Nano Charger (45W) with USB-C Cable is the simplest way to complete the charging setup if your iPad did not come with a wall adapter. Its 45W USB-C output gives more headroom than a basic phone charger, making it a practical match for everyday iPad charging, streaming, note-taking, browsing, and light work.

The compact GaN design fits neatly beside a sofa, desk, bedside socket, or travel pouch, while the included USB-C cable means you are not relying on an old or underpowered lead.

Best for: iPad users who want a compact single-port USB-C charger for everyday home, study, office, and travel use.

Key specs:

• Total output: 45W max
• Ports: 1× USB-C
• Cable included: USB-C cable
• Charging standard: USB PD with PPS support
• Design: GaN-based, compact, lightweight, foldable plug
• Size and weight: 49 × 49 × 34.1 mm; charger 100 g
• Safety: ActiveShield 3.0 temperature monitoring

Anker Prime Charger (160W, 3 Ports)

If your iPad shares a socket with your phone, laptop, earbuds, or another tablet, the Anker Prime Charger (160W, 3 Ports) is a cleaner alternative to using several separate adapters. Its 160W total output and three USB-C ports make it useful for a desk, university room, hotel room, or hybrid work bag where one charger needs to cover several devices.

It can adjust power between connected devices, while the AnkerSense smart display shows what each port is doing. That is useful if you charge an iPad, iPhone, and MacBook-style laptop together and want to avoid guessing which device is getting power.

Best for: iPad users who want one high-power USB-C charger for an iPad, phone, laptop, and other USB-C devices.

Key specs:

• Total output: 160W max
• Ports: 3× USB-C
• Single-port output: Up to 140W USB-C output for compatible high-power devices
• Power management: PowerIQ 5.0 dynamic power distribution across connected devices
• Display: AnkerSense smart display for port-level power information
• App support: Bluetooth connection with Anker app controls
• Safety: ActiveShield 4.0 with 10,000,000+ daily temperature checks

Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W)

For iPad users who work or study away from a socket, the Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W) gives you a high-capacity backup for train journeys, campus days, client visits, or flights.

Its 20,100mAh capacity gives your iPad a strong portable power reserve, while the 220W total output means you can charge an iPad alongside a phone or laptop. The smart display helps you check remaining battery, input, and output at a glance, which is handy when you are managing several devices on the move.

Best for: iPad users who need portable backup power for travel, study, remote work, or long days away from a socket.

Key specs:

• Battery capacity: 20,100mAh
• Total output: 220W max
• USB-C output: Up to 140W max for compatible devices
• USB-A output: Up to 22.5W max
• Recharge input: Up to 100W via USB-C or charging base
• Display: AnkerSense display for battery level, input, output, and charging status
• App support: Bluetooth app control for monitoring and power distribution
• Safety: ActiveShield 4.0 with 10,000,000+ daily temperature checks

Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (240W)

A charger is only part of the setup. If your iPad came with a cable but you want a more durable spare, or you are pairing your iPad with a higher-wattage USB-C charger, the Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C Cable (240W) gives you more charging headroom than a basic everyday cable.

The cable supports up to 240W charging, so it has plenty of capacity for iPad charging as well as higher-power USB-C devices. The upcycled braided design is built for repeated bending and daily bag use, making it useful as a desk cable, travel spare, or replacement for a worn lead.

Best for: iPad users who want a durable USB-C charging cable to pair with a higher-wattage charger or keep as a reliable spare.

Final Thought

If you’ve been wondering, “Does an iPad come with a charger?”, the answer in the UK is no—most current models include only a USB-C charging cable, not a wall adapter. The good news is that iPads are widely compatible with USB-C Power Delivery chargers, so you can easily use an existing plug or upgrade to a faster charger if needed.

Choosing the right charger ensures safer and more efficient charging for everyday use. Anker USB-C chargers are a reliable option for powering your iPad at home, work, or on the go.

FAQs

What type of charger does the new iPad use?

Most newer iPads use a USB-C charging port, so they charge with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a compatible USB-C power adapter, typically 20W or higher for faster charging. This applies to recent iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini (6th/7th gen), and standard iPad (10th gen and newer) models. Older iPads (e.g. 9th gen and earlier) still use a Lightning connector, so it’s important to check your exact model before choosing a charger or cable.

Does the Apple 16 come with a charger?

No, the iPhone 16 does not come with a wall charger in the box. Apple includes a USB-C charging cable, but you’ll need a separate USB-C power adapter or an existing compatible charger to plug into a wall socket. EarPods are also not included. For faster and more efficient charging, a 20W+ USB-C Power Delivery charger is recommended.

Is it better to charge your iPad to 80% or 100%?

Charging your iPad to around 80% is generally better for long-term battery health, especially if you use it heavily or keep it plugged in often. Lithium-ion batteries age faster when they stay near 100% or drop very low. However, charging to 100% is fine when you need maximum use time for travel, work, or long days away from a charger.