None-apple USB-C charger

[petsk]

I came across one of these cheap, none-apple USB C chargers online. The charger looks just like the real Apple charger and is compatible with last years Macbook but not this years Macbook. What would be the reason for this?

And are we not supposed to be able to use any kind of USB charger with the Macbook?

 

[iModFrenzy]

I came across one of these cheap, none-apple USB C chargers online. The charger looks just like the real Apple charger and is compatible with last years Macbook but not this years Macbook. What would be the reason for this?

And are we not supposed to be able to use any kind of USB charger with the Macbook?

Could be an outdated title, I mean I don't own a MB 12 but I know they both use USB C

 

[carestudio]

I thought all type-c chargers are the same if they have the same power rating? what item did you get?

 

[petsk]

Here's a photo, the one at the bottom is the apple charger:

So there has to be a chip in the Macbook that checks if the charger is legit?

 

[KPOM]

I came across one of these cheap, none-apple USB C chargers online. The charger looks just like the real Apple charger and is compatible with last years Macbook but not this years Macbook. What would be the reason for this?

And are we not supposed to be able to use any kind of USB charger with the Macbook?

There was a slight change to the USB-C spec after the 2015 MacBook was released. The 2016 MacBook adopted it. Some chargers that work with the 2015 do not work with the 2016, but all chargers that work with the 2016 should work with the 2015.

I don't know all the details, but it has something to do with the specification that determines the direction in which the power goes. The issue affects battery-based charging packs the most.

 

[petsk]

There was a slight change to the USB-C spec after the 2015 MacBook was released.

Great to know, thanks!

 

[ApolloBoy]

Honestly I wouldn't trust that cheap charger with my life. I'd recommend going with this charger which even includes five regular USB ports so you can charge a whole bunch of devices aside from your rMB: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-Premium-Delivery-PowerPort/dp/B01D8C6ULO

 

[petsk]

Honestly I wouldn't trust that cheap charger with my life.

There has been some problems with uncertified Apple chargers in the past, true. But also Amazon has sold bad chargers before. So I guess there's a (small) risk involved no matter which none-Apple charger you use.

 

[deeddawg]

Amazon has sold bad chargers before. So I guess there's a (small) risk involved no matter which none-Apple charger you use.

Amazon hosts tons of third-party sellers, some of whom stock inventory with Amazon. That a power adapter is sold via Amazon.com has no bearing on whether it is sending spiky/dirty power to your $1300-$1600 Macbook.

The only thing I’d trust with an Amazon-brokered third party sale is that you’ll get what is described and that you can return it without (much) hassle if it’s not as described.

With that said, I have no qualms using a third party charger if it comes from a known-to-be-good brand such as the cited Anker charger.

 

[carestudio]

I can only say if you want to charge your MacBook, get an Apple one only. If you want to use a Dock to charge your MacBook, get OWC or Caldigit's USB-C docks. Both are very high quality. Dont trust other 3rd party charger. They are hiding in China and you wont be able to go after them if you run into any problem.