Apple OEM USB-C Cable Differences

[Trey M]

I happened to come across an article on Apple’s site in regards to different USB-C cables. From the article:

• If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is for use with the Apple 29W or 30W USB-C Power Adapter.
• If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC or CTC, the cable is for use with the Apple 61W or 87W USB-C Power Adapter.

This leads me to believe that there are actually differences (in terms of capability) between USB-C charging cables which are otherwise identical in appearance. I have both a 12” MB and a 15” MBP so I would actually need to know which cable is which according to this article (which I have never considered previously).

I also noticed that Apple is now selling a new 1M USB-C cable (sold alongside the new iPads), though even that cable lists the 15” MBP as compatible. I’m wondering if there is really a difference between certain 2M cables which are included with the 12” MB and those which are included with the larger models or cables purchased separately from Apple.

These differences in the serial numbers could just be some kind of internal indicator used for warranty and other like-purposes, however I’m wondering if there are actual differences in terms of capability/optimization between some USB-C cables.

 

[chrfr]

There doesn't appear to be anything printed on the cable which came with my 2018 13" MBP.

 

[Trey M]

There doesn't appear to be anything printed on the cable which came with my 2018 13" MBP.

You should definitely have some sort of inscribing if you have a 2018 model. It’s in very light grey font; it’s very small. I have seen the inscribing on all 4 of my Apple USB-C cables.

 

[chrfr]

You should definitely have some sort of inscribing if you have a 2018 model. It’s in very light grey font; it’s very small. I have seen the inscribing on all 4 of my Apple USB-C cables.

You're right, I found it. The serial starts with G0J, so it doesn't match up with either category in that Apple document.

 

[robvas]

Are those new cables for charging or data? I thought the included cable with the charger isn’t for data?

 

[patwithamac]

...
These differences in the serial numbers could just be some kind of internal indicator used for warranty and other like-purposes, however I’m wondering if there are actual differences in terms of capability/optimization between some USB-C cables.

I suspect that a deconstruction would reveal that the current-carrying conductors in the cable used with the higher power adapters are slightly heavier gauge wire (and/or perhaps even a second pair of parallel conductors).
If someone wants to send me a donor cable, I'd be happy to deconstruct it ;-)

 

[unglued]

My 2018 15" MBP charger cable has the DLC code. I checked a 1 meter USB-C to Lightning cable (MQGJ2AM/A) I bought to charge my phone and it has the same DLC code, I would've guessed it would be the other codes that support lower wattage.

 

[chrfr]

Are those new cables for charging or data? I thought the included cable with the charger isn’t for data?

They will support USB 2.0 speeds, but not faster.

 

[Trey M]

They will support USB 2.0 speeds, but not faster.

Right, these are specifically marketed as ‘Charge’ cables. Apple does (as of recently) sell their own Thunderbolt 3 cable if you want fast data capabilities.

USB-C is such a confusing mess as it exists today. I would really hope a manufacturer as influential as Apple wouldn’t create additional fragmentation headaches for the standard by cheaping out on some charging cables