Higher-End 13-Inch MacBook Pro Models Can Use an 87-Watt Power Adapter, but Won't Charge Any Faster

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Higher-end models of the new 13-inch MacBook Pro unveiled this week are able to take some advantage of higher-wattage power adapters, as revealed in regulatory labels for the new machines.

Apple's 13-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models have shipped with a 61-watt USB-C power adapter since 2016, with the machines typically rated to draw at that maximum of 20.3 volts and 3 amps. You've long been able to safely use higher-wattage power adapters, but the maximum power draw remains capped by the machine itself, so it won't charge any faster.

macbook pro 2020 87w rating
For the first time, the higher-end 2020 13-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models with 10th-generation Intel processors carry a dual power rating of 20.3V/3.0A and 20.2V/4.3A, meaning that these models can also accept Apple's 87-watt power adapter that previously shipped with the 15-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌. Many other Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C accessories like docks and displays can also deliver 87 watts to connected computers.

The lower-end ‌MacBook Pro‌ configurations with 8th-generation processors remain rated for 61 watts, and all models ship with a 61-watt power adapter.

While it's reasonable to think that the higher-end ‌MacBook Pro‌ models might be able to charge more quickly using an 87-watt adapter than they do with the 61-watt adapter they ship with, sources tell MacRumors that this isn't the case. The maximum charging speed configured on the machine remains the same, so you won't see any difference.

Where users might be able to see a bit of benefit with a higher-wattage adapter is for those running demanding apps that generate high transient workloads. Under these situations, there's a bit more headroom for an 87-watt adapter to deliver additional power to the machine. Still, the vast majority of users won't be bumping against the limits of the included 61-watt adapter, especially on a frequent basis, so those users won't see any benefit.

So while the change won't have a real-world impact on anyone but a few professional-level users regularly maxing out the capabilities of their machines, those who are curious about the new power ratings stamped on the bottom of their machines at least have an explanation.

Related Forum: MacBook Pro

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Top Rated Comments

casperes1996 Avatar
casperes1996
75 months ago

The cpu has a TDP of 28w. say with turbo boost that gets it up to 35w. in what scenario could anyone really go beyond 61w on a 13" MBP?
As someone else pointed out, there's more than just the CPU, but let's even leave that aside.
Let's say that with all components accounted for, we're running at 55W. A figured I've entirely plucked out me arse.
That is within 61W, yes... But now you're spending 55 of those 61W on just running the computer, leaving only 6W for charging the battery. With a beefier charger you might be able to charge the battery at the same speed you would've charged it with the computer being idle.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BGPL Avatar
BGPL
75 months ago
I don't mean to be a wet blanket, but this is true of any electronic device, or really anything powered by electricity. The voltage needs to match the specs of the motor or device, but the amperage can be anything as long as it meets the minimum requirement to power the machine, charge the battery, start the motor. This is because a device, machine, motor, etc only draws what it needs. You could connect a 13" MBP to a 20V charger that can do 100 amps and it won't hurt it... it will only draw its max power handling. Even then, there's usually some slack on the voltage requirement and some devices can handle a broad spectrum of voltages. As a rule I keep the power supply within 5% of the voltage spec and I can't recall a single time when I've burned something up.

Most of our home outlets in the US are 120v and 15 amps, and some of the newer homes are 20 amps. When you plug in your vacuum cleaner, the motor is designed for 120v (US), but it only draws probably 7-11 amps depending on the model. This is the same situation. Just because you plug a thing into a 15 amp outlet, doesn't mean 15 amps is coming through the cable and into the motor. It's called power draw.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Tekguy0 Avatar
Tekguy0
75 months ago
Even if you could take advantage of a higher wattage charger, it probably wouldn't be good for the battery long term.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
teknikal90 Avatar
teknikal90
75 months ago
The cpu has a TDP of 28w. say with turbo boost that gets it up to 35w. in what scenario could anyone really go beyond 61w on a 13" MBP?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hipnetic Avatar
hipnetic
75 months ago
I'm confused. I thought that USB-C charging made it safe to plug in any size charger to any device without fear of it hurting the device. So, for example, I *think* I can take my MBP 16's charger and plug it into my wife's MacBook Air to charge it without harming it. Am I wrong?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
VictorTango777 Avatar
VictorTango777
75 months ago

Such a crap statement.
”Higher-End 13-Inch MacBook Pro Models Can Use an 87-Watt Power Adapter, but Won't Charge Any Faster”

You could always do that. For years and years and years.
You wouldn't believe the amount of ignorance in these forums over this subject, with some people vehemently arguing that using a higher wattage power adapter will somehow damage the laptop. Those people seem to think that using a higher wattage power adapter is the same as force feeding electricity from the power lines directly into the battery. Their lack of understanding is compounded by Apple's tendency to ship different wattage power adapters for each laptop model, rather than standardizing on a single power adapter across all their laptops. Standardizing on a single power adapter for all laptops would simplify manufacturing for Apple. It would simplify inventory for stores so they don't have to stock adapters for multiple Mac laptops. It would simplify things for businesses and people who own different size Mac laptops. The difference in size between the Apple 60W and 87W is not that great. And since they are all the same price, it would make more sense to buy the most compatible.

I think this photo shows the iPad, 13 inch MBP and 15 inch MBP adapters.



Attachment Image
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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