Warning states that something everyone does with their iPhone is actually killing their device

Published on Jan 29, 2026 at 1:07 AM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards

Last updated on Jan 28, 2026 at 7:36 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Daisy Edwards

If you have an Apple product, you might be doing something that’s secretly killing your device.

It is a habit so common that most people would never think twice about it.

But repair experts say it can slowly cause damage that is almost impossible to spot until it is too late.

And once the effects show up, the fix is often far more expensive than anyone expects.

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Heed this warning about iPhone chargers

Most people assume tech is just the same thing with any old brand slapped on it; a phone is a phone, a charger is a charger, especially when your battery is in the red, and you just need power fast.

The problem is that ultra-cheap chargers and cables often skip the protection and quality control found in reputable accessories from the tech companies that make the actual products you’re charging.

Apple devices are designed to work with specific charging standards, and many third party accessories follow those rules through Apple’s MFi program, short for Made for iPhone, iPod, or iPad.

In simple terms, MFi-certified cables are built to Apple’s specs and include components designed to keep power delivery stable.

Knockoffs can look identical on the outside, and some even come with fake certification labels. But inside, they may be missing the parts that help protect your iPhone from voltage spikes and fluctuations.

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You are killing your device with knockoff cables

The biggest risk is damage to the iPhone’s charging control hardware on the logic board, often referred to by repair shops as the Tristar or U2 chip.

If that chip gets fried, your iPhone’s charging behaviour can start to get weird.

Common red flags include the iPhone showing it is charging but the battery percentage not moving, sudden battery drops, charging stopping at random percentages, the phone refusing to charge a dead battery, or USB and iTunes errors that are caused by interrupted connections.

Here’s the frustrating part: swapping the battery or replacing the charging port usually will not fix it, because the problem is deeper on the motherboard.

Repairs often require microsoldering, which typically means an independent repair specialist.

If you want the safest move, skip the bargain bin and stick to reputable brands, verified sellers, and MFi certified cables, the cheap option can end up being the most expensive one in the long run.

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As a Content Writer since January 2025, Daisy’s focus is on writing stories on topics spanning the entirety of the website. As well as writing about EVs, the history of cars, tech, and celebrities, Daisy is always the first to pitch the seed of an idea to the audience editor team, who collab with her to transform it into a fully informative and engaging story.