Apple · Waterproof Phone Chargers & Cables
Nimble Champ Stretch Charger
Low PFAS risk for typical USB charger cable, no disclosures found.
Standard Apple USB-C charging cable made from common polymers without water-resistant or nonstick coatings. No PFAS-specific claims or third-party testing available.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Polymer cable with rubber coating, USB-C connector
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Nimble Champ Stretch Charger is a polymer-jacketed USB-C cable with rubber coating and a molded connector. Polymer cables (typically PVC, TPE, or polyurethane) are chosen for flexibility and durability. The rubber coating adds abrasion and bend resistance. This material class does not typically leach heavy metals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in normal indoor use at room temperature, unlike some older vinyl formulations.
The brand's record and disclosure
Apple does not publicly disclose detailed chemical composition or third-party safety certifications for accessory cables. No recalls or published safety incidents are on record for this product line. Apple's supply chain and materials policies are audited by third parties under their Supplier Responsibility program, but specific test results for charger cables are not released to consumers. The brand's silence on PFAS is typical for the electronics accessory sector and does not indicate a hazard.
How it compares in its category
USB-C charger cables are largely commodity products with minimal chemical differentiation across brands. Most alternatives (Anker, Belkin, third-party generics) use identical or very similar polymer and rubber formulations. Apple's cable is mid-range in price and durability; durability reduces replacement frequency and overall exposure. No safety advantage or disadvantage versus comparable branded cables is documented.
If you buy it
Store the cable at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources; prolonged exposure above 60°C (140°F) can degrade polymer coatings but is not typical in normal charging scenarios. Inspect the cable and connector for visible cracks, discoloration, or white powder (signs of degradation) every 6-12 months; replace immediately if damaged. Avoid coiling tightly around hot devices or leaving the cable in hot vehicles, as flex-stress and heat together accelerate coating wear.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Polymer coating degradation over time
Rubber and polymer jackets on cables can crack, peel, or degrade after repeated flexing or thermal stress, potentially exposing internal copper conductors. This is a durability rather than acute toxicity risk but can increase electrical hazard if insulation fails.
Phthalate plasticizers in vinyl-based polymers
No evidence suggests this cable uses PVC with phthalates; modern charger cables typically use phthalate-free TPE or polyurethane. Apple's supply chain policies lean toward restricted substance standards, but material composition is not published.
Heavy metals in connector plating
USB-C connectors are typically gold or nickel plated. No lead, cadmium, or other restricted metals have been reported in Apple charger connectors; compliance with ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is standard for EU-sold electronics.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
Polymer cables do not off-gas formaldehyde or other VOCs under normal indoor conditions. No odor complaints or air quality issues have been documented for this product class.
Skin contact irritation from dyes or colorants
The cable uses standard synthetic dyes in black or white finishes typical of electronics cables. No allergen or dermal irritant claims are on record; risk is minimal for this use case (brief handling during charging).
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More waterproof phone chargers & cables grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.