Apple's 140W Power Adapter is Company's First GaN Charger, Supports USB-C Power Delivery 3.1

[MacRumors]

Apple has confirmed to The Verge that its new 140W USB-C power adapter is the company's first charger based on gallium nitride or "GaN" technology, which allows for smaller, lighter, and more power efficient chargers than silicon-based chargers.

Without the use of GaN, the 140W power adapter likely would have been fairly larger given its wattage. Many other brands like Anker and Belkin have introduced GaN-based chargers over the last few years for use with Apple products.

Apple also confirmed that the 140W power adapter supports the USB-C Power Delivery 3.1 standard, meaning that it can be used to charge other devices that support that standard. It also means that those who buy the new 16-inch MacBook Pro can use compatible chargers from third-party brands to charge the notebook if they prefer.

We continue to learn smaller details about the new MacBook Pro models that Apple didn't mention during its "Unleashed" event, including that fast charging is only possible with the MagSafe port on the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, whereas the 14-inch model can be fast charged using either MagSafe or any of the Thunderbolt 4 ports. This shouldn't be a big deal given that the MagSafe port has no other use than charging, but it's worth knowing.

Key features of the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro include Apple's next-generation M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, the return of an HDMI port and SD card slot, mini-LED displays with a ProMotion adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, up to 10 hours longer battery life, and more. The notebooks can be ordered now and launch on Tuesday, October 26.

Apple's new 140W power adapter is included with the new 16-inch MacBook Pro and it is also sold separately for $99.

Article Link: Apple's 140W Power Adapter is Company's First GaN Charger, Supports USB-C Power Delivery 3.1

 

[cnnyy20p]

I would be great if there are multiple usb-c ports on this brick. Lost potential.

 

[darinzook]

Then why does it look so dang big? My HyperJuice (100W) is the size of a credit card and has 2 100W USB-C and 2 18W USB-A ports...

 

[Eidorian]

"You Canna Change the Laws of Physics!"

That's a chonky boy for that GPU power budget.

 

[Kkspire]

Someone please make the 45 years of startup sounds video on YouTube a ringtone I can download. I love it.

 

[frumpy16]

$99 for a power adapter but no cable (another $49!!!). 😭 This is next level trolling with a single USB-C port.

But but but... it uses GaN!

 

[sinsin07]

Curious, is there an Apple branded USB C 3.1 cable?

I know Anker has some.

 

[fenderbass146]

For being GaN it is huge. They should have been able to keep it the same size. I just ordered a Setachi 108 watt multi port usb charger for my 16" for $75 that is smaller then the OEM one by quite a bit. This stupid big.

 

[Kuckuckstein]

I would be great if there are multiple usb-c ports on this brick. Lost potential.

And the Ethernet Connector (to utilize max fiber speed). That would cover all my docking needs and no need for additional equipment.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Dang! The price is way too deep for $99.00 not sure if it’s worth that price. Should have started off with $79.

 

[iBluetooth]

Then why does it look so dang big? My HyperJuice (100W) is the size of a credit card and has 2 100W USB-C and 2 18W USB-A ports...

It's a balance between safety and heat dissipation. They need to be large to keep separation between the power plug high voltage and the low voltage for the USB-C Power Delivery. Then there are also additional safety measures.

 

[iBluetooth]

And the Ethernet Connector (to utilize max fiber speed). That would cover all my docking needs and no need for additional equipment.

I am getting 975 mbps and often higher using the old TimeCapsule. I think modern routers should get the higher speeds also, unless you're using the device ("junk") from your local ISP.

 

[alee]

Then why does it look so dang big? My HyperJuice (100W) is the size of a credit card and has 2 100W USB-C and 2 18W USB-A ports...

You’re a victim of marketing here.

The Hyperjuice is a 100W device. That power is divided between the 4 ports. So if you have 2 USB-C devices in the Hyperjuice, it’s 65W + 30W, not 100W + 100W.

If all 4 ports were in use, the max spec is 45W + 30W + 12W + 12W, not 236W.

The Apple GaN is 140W. It would need to be 1.4x the size of the Hyperjuice by volume.

 

[onlinespending]

Return of an underwhelming HDMI 2.0 port*

we need to be calling out this crap guys

 

[fenderbass146]

And the Ethernet Connector (to utilize max fiber speed). That would cover all my docking needs and no need for additional equipment.

Yea Apple really missing out on the in house docking solution. I work for a it company and we quit selling desktops to all but the power hungriest users and sell them a laptop with a docking station and dual monitors. It be awesome if they made a charging brick that had 3 thunderbolt ports on on it so you could plug in thiings like ethernet adapter, usb hub, and video connectors. That be such a game changing value...even if it was like a $200 option. Base charger is free or you can upgrade to the multi-purpose charger/dock

 

[SactoGuy18]

I wonder has Apple thought about updating to USB-C 2.1 charging, which may allow charging at 140 W through a modified USB Type C port.

 

[bsbeamer]

For comparison, anyone who's used a CalDigit TS3+ dock - it comes with a 150W PSU that is almost 2x the size of this brick. These machines are going to be power hungry if driving them. They're "portable" but know what you're buying. Some would be better waiting for the 27" iMac update and have a desktop/laptop setup.

 

[Tyler O'Bannon]

Haven't seen anyone mention this. My guess is this:

The reason that Fast Charging is available via MagSafe or Thunderbolt on the 14" is because it tops out at 100W or less (97ish?). Thunderbolt/USB-C can carry 100W or power. However, The 16" supports up to 140W (or at least over 100W), so the only way it's going to get it is with MagSafe.

If you use USB-C to USB-C with the 140W adapter, it'll top out at 100W or close to it. So that would be the distinction. If TB4 is updated or USB 4.x comes, and supports more, then that would change.

I'm guessing that's the distinction?

 

[asiga]

Whats the weight of this power adapter?

 

[darinzook]

You’re a victim of marketing here.

The Hyperjuice is a 100W device. That power is divided between the 4 ports. So if you have 2 USB-C devices in the Hyperjuice, it’s 65W + 30W, not 100W + 100W.

If all 4 ports were in use, the max spec is 45W + 30W + 12W + 12W, not 236W.

The Apple GaN is 140W. It would need to be 1.4x the size of the Hyperjuice by volume.

I'm fully aware of how the HyperJuice functions from that standpoint. I would also add - this is true for any reasonably sized multi-port charging brick.

Admittedly I've not dug into GaN as deep as others may have - but my understanding is that it should be able to be smaller, because of significantly less number of components, therefore also less heat generation. I suppose 1.4x by volume is reasonable - but this 140W charger just looks massive. That said - I'm sure it won't cook an egg like the silicon versions feel like they could when pushing full power during charging.

 

[justin216]

I'm fully aware of how the HyperJuice functions from that standpoint. I would also add - this is true for any reasonably sized multi-port charging brick.

Admittedly I've not dug into GaN as deep as others may have - but my understanding is that it should be able to be smaller, because of significantly less number of components, therefore also less heat generation. I suppose 1.4x by volume is reasonable - but this 140W charger just looks massive. That said - I'm sure it won't cook an egg like the silicon versions feel like they could when pushing full power during charging.

GaN chargers aren't necessarily cool running. The couple I have (Hyper and Anker) get quite toasty when charging even one higher-powered device.

 

[jameswilby]

I regret not theorising this a few weeks ago (purely for bragging rights haha) but I had a feeling the new MacBook Pro’s would use an implementation of USB PD 3.1. It’s relatively new and supports higher voltages and more wattage. Basically forget the 100w USB C limit we all knew… if you want more information, this is interesting: https://www.eenewseurope.com/news/usb-pd-boosts-usb-c-power-delivery-240w-48v

 

[citysnaps]

For being GaN it is huge. They should have been able to keep it the same size. I just ordered a Setachi 108 watt multi port usb charger for my 16" for $75 that is smaller then the OEM one by quite a bit. This stupid big.

The deal maker for me is all Apple chargers are UL Listed.

Most others are not, making them a deal killer.

 

[msackey]

Then why does it look so dang big? My HyperJuice (100W) is the size of a credit card and has 2 100W USB-C and 2 18W USB-A ports...

I was wondering the same thing. If this is GaN technology, why is it so big? Are they using an “older” variation of GaN technology (if such a variation exists).

 

[Johnny907]

It's a balance between safety and heat dissipation. They need to be large to keep separation between the power plug high voltage and the low voltage for the USB-C Power Delivery. Then there are also additional safety measures.

Nope. I pack a 30w Anker charging plug for my M1 MBA that is only slightly larger than the stock plug that used to come with the iPhone. As others have pointed out there are already comparable output plugs available from other notable brands that are half the size of this thing and offer multiple ports.
This is just Apple continuing its trash accessory game.