Design

• The iPhone uses an innovative USB adapter for both charging and syncing. You can plug the white USB cord into any USB port on a computer. The iPhone also comes with a small, square AC adapter, which you can insert into any wall plug. You can then plug the USB cord into the AC adapter to transform it into a traditional charger.
  
  

Function

• When plugged into the iPhone and the computer, the cord syncs the iPhone seamlessly with the information in the iTunes account and backs up all of the iPhone's information onto the computer. Optionally, iTunes can also sync contact information so that it isn't lost if the iPhone ever needs to be restored.
  
  

Distinctly iPhone

• Although an iPhone adapter and an iPod adapter look similar, it is unwise to use an iPod adapter with an iPhone. Many iPod accessories do not function properly with the iPhone, especially when it comes to charging. The size of most iPod plugs is also not optimized for the iPhone; they can cause damage to an iPhone case by cracking the plastic around the plug.