Could I charge an M2 MacBook Air while it's in use from a 24" iMac?

[TSE]

Looking to clean up my deskspace and improve cable management and also have found that my 27" LG Monitor is just a little too big for my taste... I only use about 2/3 of the screen for windows while I multitask because it's just too big and I don't like moving my head around.

I think the 24" iMacs would be perfect and I would have the Air as a secondary device off to the side for certain tasks.

Curious to know, though, while I fantasize about having a beautiful Red new iMac at my desk - does the USB-C or Thunderbolt ports give enough power to charge a MacBook Air while it's in use?

 

[arw]

Maybe chime in here (it's for the Mac Studio but the question is mainly related to the Thunderbolt specification than device-specific):

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/how-much-power-can-the-thunderbolt-ports-provide.2342602/

 

[Fishrrman]

Even if charging works, it's not going to charge very fast.

Really... what's wrong with just using the charger that came with the MBa...?

 

[sifpilsen]

USB-C standard says 100W, but the whole iMac power adapter is rated at 143W, so it will not provide that much on the two port at the same time. It will however put a strain on the I/O board, which is just flex cabled to the main logic board ref https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iMac+M1+24-Inch+Teardown/142850 . So I would look for a usb-C power adapter and hide the cable while its not in use, clipping it underneath the desk or maybe a small magnet.

 

[raythompsontn]

A MBA can be charged with a 30 watt adapter quite nicely. It is what Apple provides with the MBA. That is well within the USB-C specifications and what can be delivered by the iMac. Such current will not put any strain on the I/O board any more than without anything connected to the USB-C port. Logic on the boards will not allow excessive current that would damage the boards. That would be a major design flaw.

You can use a USB-C to USB-C cable or connect the MagSafe cable if you use such (you did not specify M1 or M2). Charging may not be fast, as in two or three hours, but left overnight it will be fine. Experience from a friend that has an iMac keeps his MBA M1 connected all the time without issues.

 

[Gudi]

It will however put a strain on the I/O board, which is just flex cabled to the main logic board

It's meant to charge mouse and keyboard and power external hard drives and accessories. Those flex cables can’t be too fragile.

 

[TSE]

A MBA can be charged with a 30 watt adapter quite nicely. It is what Apple provides with the MBA. That is well within the USB-C specifications and what can be delivered by the iMac. Such current will not put any strain on the I/O board any more than without anything connected to the USB-C port. Logic on the boards will not allow excessive current that would damage the boards. That would be a major design flaw.

You can use a USB-C to USB-C cable or connect the MagSafe cable if you use such (you did not specify M1 or M2). Charging may not be fast, as in two or three hours, but left overnight it will be fine. Experience from a friend that has an iMac keeps his MBA M1 connected all the time without issues.

Thank you for the wonderfully informative post. It is indeed an M2 MacBook Air so will most likely opt for the Magsafe when I do get my M3 iMac whenever that's released. Thanks again.