An example: I can use a standard micro USB charger to charge any number of devices. The Apple charger will only charge Apple devices. And only certain ones, because they change it to make you buy more.
But in an emergency the newer iPhones can be recharged electroromagnetically by just putting it in the microwave for 10 seconds. Should do it no more than once a week tho, and needs to be at least 1000 watt microwave, otherwise it takes 40 sec. Worked on my wife's iPhone 6.
Phone is just as good as it always was.