Don't most people run magsafe which only provides power? Seems unlikely most would ever be updated
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Apple Releases Firmware Update for 140W USB-C Power Adapter
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BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
My MacBook updated the brick's firmware via MagSafe.
It’s always something
macrumors 6502a
I’m finding it impossible to imagine any reason a power adapter would ever provide anything but power.
One possibility that occurs to me is that the pictured charger has a swappable plug, presumably making it usable in other countries and therefore with different voltages from the US. Firmware might make doing this possible, which makes sense to my guessing brain.
But I still don’t like the idea of a hackable charger.
JPack
macrumors P6
No, there's a comms pin.
Otherwise, how would the MacBook read the serial number from the power adapter?
How does even macrumors get notified about these updates?🤓😁
Fun fact, it’s 2026 and *everything* is a mini-computer. How do you think the adapter manages a zillion different Power Delivery profiles? How does it know when it’s safe to charge and when it’s time to throttle back due to overheating? The fact that it’s updatable is a *good* thing, because they can fix issues and improve performance without having to do a recall or release a new model.
The question is whether the mechanism to do so is secure or not. I would say it’s secure enough, given that the mechanism to do so is undocumented (aka internal to Apple) and invisible (cannot be manually started or seen, and thus intercepted).
Unlike third-party chargers, no Apple charger of mine has ever caught on fire or melted. I think we’ll be fine. 😘
It’s always something
macrumors 6502a
Don’t forget to reboot your charger! 🤣
My FESTOOL batteries have firmware and location detection in them. Great little devices
titanium alloy
macrumors newbie
Moganmade
macrumors newbie
A lot less scary than when my husband got the notice that the software for his pacemaker was hacked
BarredOwl
macrumors 6502
lazyrighteye
Contributor
This reminds me... It would be great if we had a much more user-centric/intuitive way to manage all software updates for all devices across a user's Apple ecosystem. When it was just Macs, this was a non-issue. But as the ecosystem has grown to include all sorts of non-Mac devices and OSes, it feels past time we unify the software management experience into one setting, app - something.
Opt 1 - System Settings* > Apple Account > Devices
List ALL user devices that contain updatable OSes, add software update functionality to this page.
Opt 2 - System Settings* > General > Software Update
List ALL user devices that contain updatable OSes, add software update functionality to this page.
Opt 3 - Standalone Software Update App
Not unlike Watch app on iPhone, move all Software Update management/update functionality to it's own dedicated app. That app should live on all devices that have apps.
I'm certainly oversimplifying or inadvertently overlooking some obvious reason(s) they haven't structured the software update in a more streamlined manner. I can't wait to learn why. That's your cue, community. Educate me.
* I'd love to see more consistency with System Settings taxonomy. We have System Settings (macOS) and Settings (iOS). Just call them both Settings already!
Opt 1 - System Settings* > Apple Account > Devices
List ALL user devices that contain updatable OSes, add software update functionality to this page.
Opt 2 - System Settings* > General > Software Update
List ALL user devices that contain updatable OSes, add software update functionality to this page.
Opt 3 - Standalone Software Update App
Not unlike Watch app on iPhone, move all Software Update management/update functionality to it's own dedicated app. That app should live on all devices that have apps.
I'm certainly oversimplifying or inadvertently overlooking some obvious reason(s) they haven't structured the software update in a more streamlined manner. I can't wait to learn why. That's your cue, community. Educate me.
* I'd love to see more consistency with System Settings taxonomy. We have System Settings (macOS) and Settings (iOS). Just call them both Settings already!
Moganmade
macrumors newbie
I have the 16” MacBook Pro M2Max and I had refrained from using the charging brick it came with because it would get so hot it melted a plastic report cover. It also didn’t seem to charge as fast as when I simply used my power hub. Maybe this will fix that
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
Moganmade
macrumors newbie
I’m going to assume it’s going to release more power/quicker and fix the overheating issue, at least I hope so
sleep_to_dream
macrumors demi-goddess
What would you do with that exactly? Considering modern devices have optional charging caps already built in?
I’d prefer not to have any other devices with WiFi, personally. That would open them up for someone to hack the firmware and potentially start a fire or something, as someone else mentioned
MysteriousStain
macrumors 6502
returning my brick as its updated and now displays liquid glass! 🙄
Ternus came in and hit the ground running. 🙏
Agent007
macrumors 6502a
FWIW, I've noticed the Apple-branded chargers start charging right away whereas the aftermarket brands, upon plugin, it powers but doesn't charge - the actual charging doesn't seem to start for 10-20 seconds at least. This can be seen in the menu bar or in more detail in System Information. Anyone know what's up with that?