14-inch MacBook Pro Can Fast Charge Via Thunderbolt, But Fast Charge Limited to MagSafe in 16-inch Model

[MacRumors]

With the debut of the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple has brought a fast charge capability to the Mac for the first time, allowing users to charge the laptop battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes.

But there's a difference between models with this feature that Apple didn't really mention. While both models can be charged over Thunderbolt or MagSafe, only the 14-inch MacBook Pro can fast charge over the USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as MagSafe.

By contrast, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is limited to fast charging over the MagSafe port. The reason is likely down to the fact that the Thunderbolt 4 ports are capable of charging at a maximum of 100W, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro uses a 140W power adapter, so the same fast charging speed can't be claimed. Meanwhile, the 14-inch model uses a 67W power adapter for the 8-core machine and a 96W power adapter for the 10-core machine, so it doesn't reach the maximum TB4 power delivery.

This limitation on the 16-inch MacBook Pro is unlikely to be a big deal for most users, as the MagSafe 3 port is made exclusively for charging and won't be engaged for any other reason. That said, this difference between the two seems worth highlighting given the various cable/dock setups prospective owners could be envisioning for their workflow.

The new MacBook Pro models can be ordered now, with pricing starting at $1,999 for the 14-inch model and at $2,499 for the 16-inch model. The notebooks will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores on Tuesday, October 26.

Article Link: 14-inch MacBook Pro Can Fast Charge Via Thunderbolt, But Fast Charge Limited to MagSafe in 16-inch Model

 

[Serban55]

Ofc, since the usbC can charge max cap at 100W...so 100W for the 14" battery can work...but for the 16" it needs that 140W

 

[willparkinson23]

Will the 16 inch M1 Max need to be plugged into MagSafe power when using a Pro Display XDR? Really value the single thunderbolt cable at the moment.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

If this didn't work, it would've meant Apple intentionally made it not work.

 

[mystery hill]

The 14-inch is fast-charge–capable with the 96W USB-C Power Adapter.

(67W USB-C Power Adapter is included with M1 Pro with 8-core CPU)

 

[notabadname]

I wonder if can you disable fast charging to protect battery health/longevity ?

 

[Kuckuckstein]

I wonder if can you disable fast charging to protect battery health/longevity ?

Use a power supply that would not be powerful enough?

 

[Bug-Creator]

So in short:

16" has evenfastercharging which feels like justfastcharging due to bigger battery.

 

[Born Again]

Nothing to worry about in real life. The battery on the 16 is very impressive but the size I imagine most people will have this tank plugged in more often then not. Thing is so heavy

 

[citysnaps]

Product design is about managing a set of often conflicting goals and requirements.

It's an engineering trade. Life goes on. TC does not need to be fired.

 

[Kuckuckstein]

I would not call this a caveat. There is now again a dedicated power supply port with the beloved mag safe feature and it can do the work it is intended for.
It is a nice add on that USB C can also provide power and charging, but I have always been happy with the charging speed of my old MacBooks, and if USB C provides that as well I think users will be in charging heaven: fast through mag safe, normal if needed through USB C.

 

[citysnaps]

I would not call this a caveat. There is now again a dedicated power supply port with the beloved mag safe feature and it can do the work it is intended for.
It is a nice add on that USB C can also provide power and charging, but I have always been happy with the charging speed of my old MacBooks, and if USB C provides that as well I think users will be in charging heaven: fast through mag safe, normal if needed through USB C.

Excellent analysis.

 

[Wanted797]

I wonder if can you disable fast charging to protect battery health/longevity ?

I assume they will battery optimization.

 

[NewUsername]

Is the 140W charger allowed on airplanes?

 

[mystery hill]

Is the 140W charger allowed on airplanes?

Yes.

 

[ajm057]

"But there's a caveat to this feature that Apple didn't really mention. While both models can be charged over Thunderbolt or MagSafe, only the 14-inch MacBook Pro can fast charge over the USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as MagSafe. By contrast, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is limited to fast charging over the MagSafe port......"

So - If I read this correctly I can still connect the new 16" MBP to my 2 XDR Pro Displays and have them charge it as needed -- like I do the 2020 version -- I do not "need" to connect it to the magsafe and 140w power block!

 

[mystery hill]

If I read this correctly I can still connect the new 16" MBP to my 2 XDR Pro Displays and have them charge it as needed

Correct.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I’m not understanding and sure why fast charging is limited to 16" only?

 

[sajlonix]

Why they bring magsafe back?? When u Can charge with USB-C?
dont understand Why we need this port, instead of they could put one more thunderbolt

 

[Bug-Creator]

I’m not understanding and sure why fast charging is limited to 16" only?

Cos you didn't understand what this is about.

TB is limited to 100W on both MBPs, for the 14" with the smaller battery thats already considered fast charging, while the bigger battery in the 16" can take up to 140W which can only be supplied via MagSafe.

 

[MrCrowbar]

Honestly with a big power supply, my M1 MacBook Air feels like it's fast-charching already. I just plug it into my external display via USB-C and everything is connected (display, sound, webcam, mouse, charing power), having everything go through one cable is great.

I like how using a USB-A to USB-C cable keeps the charge right where it is when doing semi-intensive stuff and slowly charges the thing when it's mostly idling or sleeping. Great for charging it slowly overnight and there's lots of cables out there with magnetic break-away ends so it feels like Magsafe.

I recommend keeping the battery around 50% charged and "exercising" it every now and then by letting it drain to 10%ish and then doing a 100% charge before letting it go to 50 again.

Lithium ion batteries like to be around 50% charged, especially if you're not using them so I highly recommend getting this little tool that just tells the SMC to stop charging when it's reached a given percentage: https://github.com/davidwernhart/AlDente

 

[Bug-Creator]

Why we need this port, instead of they could put one more thunderbolt

The IO for a 4th TB is already been used for the internal display and HDMI, so if you tried to use all 4 ports you would run into issues.

 

[jlc1978]

The IO for a 4th TB is already been used for the internal display and HDMI, so if you tried to use all 4 ports you would run into issues.

Unless the M1 chip is limited to 4 TB ports by design they could have added a 4th and made Magsafe USB-C cable.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

> 14-inch MacBook Pro Can Fast Charge Via Thunderbolt, But Fast Charge Limited to MagSafe in 16-inch Model

Not according to Apple:

 

[DNichter]

So can I not fast charge with the base 14 inch model I bought? (since it only comes with the 67W)