AppleInsider Staff
Apple's new M1 Pro and M1 Max MacBook Pro models boast fast-charging capabilities for quick top-ups, but buyers of the base model 14-inch variant will need to spring for a power adapter upgrade to take advantage of the feature.
Both the 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged with a compatible power adapter, and Apple includes such hardware in most purchase configurations. That is not the case with the base 14-inch model, however, meaning users who want to access quick charging capabilities will need to purchase an upgrade at checkout or buy a separate adapter.
All 14-inch MacBook Pro models require a 96W adapter to perform a fast-charge, which can take the laptop from 0% to 50% charge in about 30 minutes, the company says on its website.
As noted on a tech specs webpage, the 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by an M1 Pro with 8-core CPU comes with a 67W USB-C power adapter in the box. That part is good enough for "efficient charging at home, in the office, or on the go," according to the company, but fast-charging is a non-starter.
For base model buyers, the requisite 96W USB-C adapter that is included with configurations powered by an M1 Pro with 10-core CPU or an M1 Max chip must be purchased as a $20 upgrade. The item costs $79 as a standalone purchase from the Apple Store and is currently out of stock.
With the proper equipment, users can fast-charge the 14-inch MacBook Pro through either a Thunderbolt 4 port or MagSafe 3.
A report earlier today noted that 16-inch MacBook Pro owners can only fast-charge via MagSafe 3, as the laptop's power requirements exceed the USB-C Power Delivery cap of 100W. Unlike base model 14-inch versions, however, all 16-inch configurations come ready to fast-charge with a 140W power brick in the box.
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12 Comments
Everyone will complain about it and everyone who complains about it will just drop another $20 for the better charger. They’re not going to just hand out every luxury item with their lowest tier Pro Book. Remember, you need a $19 polishing cloth to properly clean it.
Well, to nitpick, it’s not an adapter, it’s a larger power supply.
On a $2,000 BASE MODEL laptop? From a company with BILLIONS in reserve in Ireland? #greed
I'm sure some people would prefer a smaller, lighter, more portable power supply. Fast charging may not be important to everyone on a laptop that already has 20+ hours battery life.
That's OK, I already have a bunch of those for my current 16 inch MBP. I'm thinking of going to the 14 inch as it's smaller, lighter, and has no real disadvantage over the 16 inch (while the Intel ones had issues with GPUs, cores, etc...)