What is USB-C Power Delivery?

USB-C Power Delivery (USB-C PD) is a fast-charging standard that lets a charger and connected device negotiate higher voltage and current than legacy USB charging. The current revision, USB PD 3.1, delivers up to 240W through its Extended Power Range (EPR) profile and powers everything from iPhone 17 to laptops over a single USB-C cable.

A PD charger is a USB-C wall, car, or portable charger that supports the USB Power Delivery protocol. Unlike older chargers that push a fixed voltage, a PD charger negotiates with the connected device and delivers the exact wattage the device requests, anywhere from 5W for earbuds to 240W for a workstation. Most modern PD chargers also use [GaN technology](https://www.belkin.com/company/blog/gan-charging-benefits-2026/) to stay compact while pushing higher wattages.

USB-C PD charges most modern smartphones to 50% in 15 to 30 minutes. [iPhone 17](https://www.belkin.com/shop-by/choose-your-device/iphone-17-charging/) hits 50% in about 20 minutes with a 40W charger (full iPhone 17 charging breakdown here). Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra reaches 50% in roughly 15 minutes with a 60W PD 3.1 PPS charger. Google Pixel 9 reaches 50% in about 30 minutes at 27W. If your charging feels slower than this, see why your phone might be charging slowly.

Most phones released since 2018 support USB-C PD. Apple iPhone 15 and later support PD over USB-C. Samsung Galaxy S20 and later (including S25 and S26), and Google Pixel 6 and later, all support USB-C PD. Check your device's spec sheet for "USB-C PD" or "Power Delivery" to confirm. For Android specifics, see our complete guide to Android phone chargers.

For charging up to 60W, almost any USB-C to USB-C cable will work. For 100W or higher, including USB PD 3.1's 240W EPR profile, you need a cable explicitly rated for that wattage with the correct e-marker chip inside. Belkin's 240W braided USB-C to USB-C cable is built for the full PD 3.1 range. For more on cable specs and connectors, see our USB cables ultimate guide.

USB-C PD is an open industry standard built into the USB-C connector and supported by virtually every major device maker. Quick Charge is Qualcomm's proprietary standard, used mainly on older Samsung and Android phones. PD is now the default fast-charge protocol; Quick Charge has largely been retired on flagship devices. For a deeper look at modern Android fast-charging protocols, see PPS vs. PD explained.

Yes. USB-C PD can charge most modern laptops, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and many Windows ultrabooks. Laptops typically need 30W to 100W of PD power. The new USB PD 3.1 EPR profile pushes that ceiling to 240W, enough to charge high-performance workstations and gaming laptops over a single USB-C cable.

o. A USB-C PD charger negotiates the exact wattage your device requests and never delivers more power than the device can safely accept. The PD chipset includes built-in protection against over-voltage, over-current, and overheating. Belkin chargers add safety certifications from Apple, Google, and the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). For more on charging best practices, see how Belkin keeps your battery safe.