Apple Releases Firmware Update for 140W USB-C Power Adapter

[MacRumors]

Apple today released a firmware update (version 1.4.90) for its 140W USB-C Power Adapter.

It is unclear what is included in the latest firmware, as Apple does not publish release notes for this. The update will be installed automatically over time when the power adapter is plugged in and connected to a Mac or other device. There is no way to manually apply the update.

Article Link: Apple Releases Firmware Update for 140W USB-C Power Adapter

 

[It’s always something]

This implies that charging bricks are potentially hackable. Pretty sure I don’t like that 😬

 

[rosegoldoli]

the concept of a firmware update for an adapter

 

[edwardd20]

Mine was for my Intel MBP, that I still have but seldom use. I wonder if it will ever get updated and how can I tell?

 

[BC2009]

I had no idea these charging blocks had undateable firmware. Do I have to connect via USB-C to get these to update or will MagSafe suffice?

 

[GregoryPeckEPA]

This implies that charging bricks are potentially hackable. Pretty sure I don’t like that 😬

Everything in this day and age has some kind of firmware to run it. Even your microwave and blender. Technically it’s all hackable, to some degree.

I wouldn’t lose sleep over it.

 

[chrono1081]

the concept of a firmware update for an adapter

This is a good thing. In the past, updates happened on the assembly line so you were just stuck with whatever mistake was made for the version you had.

 

[Ja50n]

"Help, my charging brick got bricked!"

 

[Ja50n]

This is a good thing. In the past, updates happened on the assembly line so you were just stuck with whatever mistake was made for the version you had.

I disagree: When it was hardcoded, the motivation was to get it right the first time or face the consequences of a costly recall. Now, just send it out in beta! We can push a fix whenever. Or... Just never fix it, unless enough people complain.

 

[chrono1081]

I disagree: When it was hardcoded, the motivation was to get it right the first time or face the consequences of a costly recall. Now, just send it out in beta! We can push a fix whenever. Or... Just never fix it, unless enough people complain.

You can disagree but that's literally how things happened (and still happen). Look at any single piece of hardware out there and you'll see version numbers. This is what they are.

 

[twanj]

I had no idea these charging blocks had undateable firmware. Do I have to connect via USB-C to get these to update or will MagSafe suffice?

FYSA: Apple 140W USB-C PSU may receive a firmware update

Morning all. I just spotted this short note on Macworld: If you own a 16-inch MacBook Pro, your power adapter just got its first-ever update The key bit there is: Before you ask, no, we have no idea what it does. But we do know it brings the version number to 1.4.73 and the build number...

forum.level1techs.com

 

[ctcampbell]

More classic macumors news, an update that you cannot apply and nobody knows what it does. Fascinating stuff guys, really worth a front page post.

 

[Astuces iOS]

Man I always wondered why they don't add a feature to those chargers where you can control them like smart plugs in HomeKit

 

[seatton]

Any news about the firmware update for the first gen polishing cloth? I am ready (I have already backed up my iPhone)

 

[DanielPrice]

… in other news

 

[pgharavi]

Firmware Version: 1040084

...on my M1 MBP. No idea if it's already been updated.

Edit: From a post in 2023:

 

[GregoryPeckEPA]

"Help, my charging brick got bricked!"

It’s not bricked. You just need to connect it to another brick and run the recovery tools.

 

[nortonandreev]

Great! Just what I need!

 

[drunkaviator]

I don't think it's been charging the new M5 Pro laptops at the full 140W, mine has been around 110-118W, could it be something to do with that? Just a guess.

 

[svish]

Surprised to see firmware update for charger. Would have been great to know what exactly is changing.

 

[Mac mini power user]

Safari is even snappier now

 

[BigMcGuire]

So I have a 140w Apple power adapter. I often use it to charge other things as my Apple Studio Display powers my MacBook.

Plugged it directly into my MBP (clamshell mode) via an Anker USB C cable and it refused to display in System Information.

Used the Apple MagSafe cable to the 140w brick and:

And now we wait I guess.

Edit: I was able to update the firmware via MagSafe (took about 10 mins).

 

[dkh587]

Any news about the firmware update for the first gen polishing cloth? I am ready (I have already backed up my iPhone)

I heard the Beta is showing signs that it’s much snappier!

 

[ifxf]

Wonder if these charging bricks have security certificates which means sometime in the future they will expire.

 

[mrgraff]

Besides adapting power, I didn't know that these did anything that needed updating.