Apple Chargers Series Technical Guide.
As a global innovation leader in consumer electronics and digital services, Apple has always focused on integrating its hardware and software ecosystem and enhancing user experience. Its charging accessories continue this tradition of simple design, high efficiency, and high compatibility. Currently, Apple’s chargers cover a power range of 20W to 140W, all supporting the PD fast charging protocol. In October 2025, Apple’s second fall product launch event also introduced a USB-C fast charger with gallium nitride (GaN) technology to improve power density, and optimized interface configuration and structural design for different usage scenarios.
This article will systematically review the key parameters and technical features of various products in the Apple charger family, helping you make clear choices for different power requirements and usage scenarios.
Key parameters and technical specifications of Apple's charger series.
We have compiled a list of eight Apple chargers currently on sale, with total output power ranging from 20W to 140W, primarily covering two power ranges: 20-65W and 70-140W. Specific model numbers, total output power, interface combinations, supported protocols, dimensions, and weights for each charger are listed. Apple currently sells eight charger products, covering a total output power range from 20W to 140W, mainly divided into two power segments: 20-65W and 70-140W. All chargers support PD and DCP protocols, with the 140W model also supporting PD3.1, while the new 40W dynamic power adapter supports PD3.2 and can provide a peak output power of up to 60W. In terms of product form, high-power models continue the classic design and use a single USB-C port, while dual-USB-C models are mostly in the low-to-medium power range.
| Apple charger protocols | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charger | Supported Protocols | |||
| PD | DCP | EPR AVS | SPR AVS | |
| Apple 140W USB-C Power Adapter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Apple 70W USB-C Power Adapter | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Apple 40W Dynamic USB-C Power Adapter (Max 60W) | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Apple 35W Dual USB-C Power Adapter | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Apple 35W Dual USB-C Compact Power Adapter | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
Regarding specific charging protocols, all eight Apple chargers on sale support PD and DCP fast charging protocols. The 140W USB-C power adapter released in 2015 also supports the PD3.1 EPR AVS protocol. The new 40W dynamic power adapter (up to 60W) supports the PD3.2 SPR AVS protocol.
Apple high-power chargers.
In the 70-140W power range, Apple mainly sells three chargers: 70W, 96W, and 140W. All of them use the classic family design, with the Apple logo printed on one side and a single USB-C port.
| Apple 70-140W high-power chargers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Specification | Apple 140W USB-C Power Adapter | Apple 96W USB-C Power Adapter | Apple 70W USB-C Power Adapter |
| Model | A2452 | A2166 | A2743 |
| Images |  |  |  |
| Total Output Power | 140W | 96W | 70W |
| Max Output Power (Single Port) | 140W | 96W | 70W |
| Input Voltage | 100-240V | 100-240V | 100-240V |
| Output Voltage | 5-28V | 5-20V | 5-20V |
| Port Configuration | 1C | 1C | 1C |
| Built-in Retractable Cable | / | / | / |
| GaN Technology | Supported | / | / |
| Supported Protocols | PD, DCP, EPR AVS | PD, DCP | PD, DCP |
| Dimensions (mm) | 96×75×29 | 80×80×29 | 65×65×29 |
| Power Density (W/cm³) | 0.67 | 0.52 | 0.57 |
| Weight (g) | 277 | 298 | 165 |
Apple general power chargers.
| Apple 20-40W power chargers | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specification | Apple 40W Dynamic USB-C Power Adapter (Max 60W) | Apple 35W Dual USB-C Power Adapter | Apple 35W Dual USB-C Compact Power Adapter | Apple 30W USB-C Power Adapter | Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter |
| Model | A3365 | A2676 | A2579 | A1882 | A2940 |
| Total Output Power | 60W | 35W | 35W | 30W | 20W |
| Max Output Power (Single Port) | 60W | 35W | 35W | 30W | 20W |
| Input Voltage | 100-240V | 100-240V | 100-240V | 100-240V | 100-240V |
| Output Voltage | 5-20V | 5-20V | 5-20V | 5-20V | 5-9V |
| Port Configuration | 1C | 2C | 2C | 1C | 1C |
| Built-in Retractable Cable | / | / | / | / | / |
| GaN Technology | / | / | / | / | / |
| Supported Protocols | PD, DCP, SPR AVS | PD, DCP | PD, DCP | PD, DCP | PD, DCP |
| Dimensions (mm) | 46×46×28 | 56×56×29 | 49×49×28 | 56×56×29 | 42×41×27 |
| Power Density (W/cm³) | 1.01 | 0.38 | 0.52 | 0.33 | 0.43 |
| Weight (g) | 80 | 116 | 104 | 118 | 58 |
Our comparison reveals the specific weight of each product in the Apple charger family. The heaviest is the Apple 96W USB-C power adapter, weighing 298g. While the 140W USB-C power adapter has a higher output power, it uses gallium nitride technology, making it lighter overall. The lightest charger currently on the market is the 20W charger. Overall, there are significant weight differences between chargers of different power and form factors.
We can also see that the Apple charger family mainly covers multiple power levels, from 20-65W and 70-140W. The highest total output power is achieved by the 140W USB-C power adapter, which is currently (2025) Apple’s first charger on the market to support PD3.1 140W output.
All models have essentially the same single-port output power and maximum total output power. The highest-end 140W USB-C power adapter supports the PD3.1 protocol and has a maximum single-port output of 140W. A notable exception is the recently released 40W power adapter, which boasts a peak power of up to 60W.
The power density of a charger refers to the ratio of its output power to its volume, usually expressed in W/cm³, reflecting the charger’s energy output capability within a limited space. The bar chart above illustrates the power density of Apple’s charger family. The newest 40W dynamic power adapter, with a peak output power of 60W, achieves a power density of 1.01W/cm³.
Maximum Supported Charging Power for Apple Devices.
In the above content, we’ve detailed the technical specifications of Apple chargers—power levels, the USB-C power delivery protocol, a nd fast charging support at different power levels. However, for B2B buyers and brand owners, charger specifications alone don’t tell the whole story.
What charging power do Apple devices actually support? Actual charging efficiency ultimately depends on the Apple device itself. The charger’s maximum output power doesn’t mean all Apple devices will consume that power. In reality, charging efficiency is limited by factors such as the device itself, the power management system, battery condition, and thermal management.
Each iPhone, iPad, or MacBook has a built-in power management system that defines how much power the device can consume, how long it can charge, and under what temperature conditions it can charge.
To avoid over-designing chargers or improper product placement, understanding the maximum charging power supported by the device is crucial.
IPhone Series.
Apple introduced fast charging to the iPhone line with USB Power Delivery technology, but the iPhone intentionally maintains a conservative approach to power consumption. Even when connected to a higher-power charger, the iPhone can use peak power for short periods. And as the battery voltage increases, the current decreases rapidly. The iPhone series prioritizes battery life and temperature control over speed. This means that most iPhones have a peak power between 18W and 27W. Sustained charging power is lower than the nominal charger output. High-power chargers do not significantly reduce charging time.
| iPhone Maximum Supported Charging Power by Model (Updated to 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Model | Max Charging Power | Notes |
| iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | ~18W | First PD fast-charge support |
| iPhone X | ~18W | PD supported |
| iPhone XR | ~18W | PD supported |
| iPhone XS / XS Max | ~18W | No sustained increase |
| iPhone 11 | ~18W | Same charging ceiling |
| iPhone 11 Pro / Pro Max | ~18W | Charger wattage above 18W has limited effect |
| iPhone 12 mini | ~20W | Slightly higher peak |
| iPhone 12 / 12 Pro | ~22W | Short peak only |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | ~23W | Thermal-limited |
| iPhone 13 mini | ~20W | Stable PD behavior |
| iPhone 13 / 13 Pro | ~23W | Brief peak |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | ~27W (peak) | Highest observed peak |
| iPhone 14 | ~23W | Similar to iPhone 13 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | ~23W | No charging gain |
| iPhone 14 Pro | ~27W (peak) | Short duration |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | ~27W (peak) | Battery protection dominant |
| iPhone 15 | ~23W | USB-C, PD behavior unchanged |
| iPhone 15 Plus | ~23W | USB-C |
| iPhone 15 Pro | ~27W (peak) | USB-C, limited improvement |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | ~27W (peak) | USB-C, thermal-controlled |
| iPhone 16/16 Plus | ~20-27W | Incremental tuning only |
| iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max | 30W | Incremental tuning only |
| iPhone 16e | ~20-23W | Entry positioning |
| iPhone 17 | ~27W | No structural power change |
| iPhone 17 Pro | ~27-30W (peak) | Peak-only, not sustained |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | ~36W (peak) | Same PD ceiling |
| iPhone Air | ~20-23W | Slim design, conservative power intake |
Across all iPhone generations, charging speed is constrained by the device itself, not the charger.
IPad Series.
iPad devices have largely standardized on USB-C charging across recent generations, and Apple’s documentation now explicitly includes fast-charge capability on newer iPad Pro models. However, unlike iPhones, not all iPads are designed to pull the same high wattages; some are optimized around moderate USB-C PD ceilings, while others benefit from higher adapter profiles.
Across the iPad lineup:
iPad Pro (M5) supports faster charging when paired with 60W or higher USB-C PD power adapters, with testing showing up to ~50% charge in about 30 minutes under those conditions.
Standard iPads and Air models accept USB-C power adapters but Apple’s official specs do not list specific high-watt peak figures for all models.
In practice, most non-Pro models still fall into a 20–30W effective ceiling due to hardware and power management limits.
iPad Pro Models.
iPad Pro is the most power-demanding iPad series because of larger batteries and professional usage scenarios. Official Apple fast-charge guidance confirms that the appopriate USB-C power adapter must supply ≥ 60W for the fastest charge window on the latest generation.
| Model | Effective Max Charging Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro 11-inch (M5, 2025) | ~60W adapter for fastest charging* | Fast charge to ~50% in ~30 mins with ≥60W; actual intake below adapter max |
| iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 2025) | ~60W adapter for fastest charging* | Same behavior as 11-inch M5 |
| iPad Pro 11-inch (M4, 2024) | ~60W adapter (peak) | Estimated similar power profile; Apple does not officially list higher watts |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th Gen) | ~60W adapter (peak) | Same approach as 11-inch Pro |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Gen) | ~60W adapter (peak) | Older legacy models behave similarly under PD |
* Apple’s Fast Charge tests indicate* that using a USB-C adapter capable of providing 60W or higher PD output yields the fastest charging behavior on iPad Pro M5 units.
iPad Air & Standard iPad Models.
Apple’s official specs emphasize USB-C charging support, but unlike iPad Pro, they do not publish maximum PD wattage in the main tech spec pages. Typical behavior is consistent with previous models that cap at moderate PD draw levels.
| Model | Effective Max Charging Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 2025) | ~30W–35W (practical) | USB-C PD intake is moderate; no high-watt fast charge spec published |
| iPad Air 11-inch (M3, 2025) | ~30W–35W (practical) | Same behavior as 13-inch Air |
| iPad (A16) (2024–25) | ~20W–25W (typical) | Standard iPad lineup; moderate USB-C PD draw |
Even though Apple documentation may not state the exact maximum wattage for each iPad Air or standard iPad, device behavior consistently show that they will not negotiate past ~30–35W under typical USB-C PD charging scenarios. (This aligns with PD behavior seen on legacy iPad charging profiles and third-party observations.)
iPad Mini (USB-C).
Recent iPad mini models also moved to USB-C, but their smaller physical footprint and battery capacity translate into lower effective intake compared with Pro or Air.
| Model | Effective Max Charging Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPad mini (A17 Pro) | ~20–25W | USB-C PD moderate draw |
| iPad mini (6th Gen) | ~20W | Same practical behavior |
Apple’s USB-C support list confirms the latest mini models support PD charging, but specific fast-charge wattages beyond general USB-C behavior are not listed on the primary support page.
- iPad Pro models benefit most from high-wattage chargers: If you are specifying chargers for product bundles or recommendations, ensure PD profiles ≥ 60W are supported for fastest practical charging on Pro devices.
- Standard iPads and iPad Air models don’t require extremely high wattage: These models typically cap intake well under 40W, so a 30–35W PD charger is optimal in most commercial product lines.
- Uniform USB-C support simplifies designs: A single USB-C PD charger family can cover multiple iPad tiers if the PD output and cable quality are correctly matched.
MacBook Series.
For professional laptops like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, Apple uses USB-C and MagSafe 3 charging standards that allow a range of power adapter options. However, each model has a recommended minimum adapter wattage to ensure reliable charging and fast-charge support, especially under load. Knowing this device-side supported power range helps avoid under-powered chargers that can slow charging or even cause the system to draw power from the battery despite being plugged in.
Apple’s support documentation shows that MacBook models use a variety of adapters from 30W up to 140W depending on generation, form factor, chip, and fast-charge capability.
MacBook Air Series (M1 / M2 / M3 / M4).
MacBook Air models generally require moderate charging power. For most day-to-day tasks, the device will not draw the full power that higher-watt adapters deliver, but a higher-watt adapter enables fast charging (up to ~50% in ~30 minutes if supported).
| Model | Included Power Adapter | Recommended Fast-Charge Adapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | 30W USB-C | 67W / 70W PD | Basic included adapter, capable for everyday use; higher power enables faster top-up charging. |
| MacBook Air (M2, 2022) | 30W / 35W USB-C** | 70W USB-C PD | Standard configuration with USB-C; optional 70W for faster charge. |
| MacBook Air (M3, 2024) | 30W / 35W USB-C** | 70W USB-C PD | Similar power range to M2 with fast-charge support. |
| MacBook Air (M4, 2025) | 30W / 35W USB-C** | 70W USB-C PD | USB-C to MagSafe 3 included; fast-charge capable with 70W PD. |
Notes: Some configurations of M2/M3/M4 Air include a 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter if selected, and all models can fast charge with a higher-watt adapter such as 70W or greater.
MacBook Pro Series (14-inch and 16-inch with M3 / M4)
MacBook Pro models require significantly more power, particularly when equipped with Pro / Max chips. Apple’s current official specifications show the following charger recommendations for these models:
| Model | Included Power Adapter | Fast-Charge Capable Adapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Pro 14″ (M3 Pro) | 70W / 96W USB-C | 96W PD | Included adapter depends on specific CPU/GPU config. |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (M3 Max) | 96W USB-C | 96W PD | Standard fast-charge adapter. |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (M4 Pro) | No official charger list on current spec, expected similar 70W / 96W | 96W PD | 14″ Pro models continue requiring ~96W for fast charging. |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (M4 Max) | Not separately listed, similar to M4 Pro requirement | 96W PD | Logic follows previous generation; fast charge with 96W. |
| MacBook Pro 16″ (M4 Pro) | 140W USB-C | 140W PD | Highest-recommended power for full performance, fast charge support. |
| MacBook Pro 16″ (M4 Max) | 140W USB-C | 140W PD | Same as Pro for maximum sustained power. |
The adapter that comes with your MacBook is a basic recommendation to ensure sufficient power during normal use without draining the battery. Apple includes higher-power adapters (such as 96W or 140W) in the package for faster charging from low battery levels. MacBooks negotiate USB power delivery protocols, and they may accept lower-power adapters, but charging speeds will be slower, and without a recommended adapter, peak performance may not be maintained under heavy loads. For Pro models, the recommended power rating is 70W to 96W for the 14-inch series and 140W for the 16-inch series.
Key Considerations for Practical Purchase:
- MacBook Air models typically require a 30W–35W power adapter, but 70W is the optimal balance between fast charging and stable performance.
- MacBook Pro 14-inch configurations vary significantly, and fast charging typically requires a 96W PD adapter; choosing an adapter with lower power may reduce charging speeds under load.
- The 16-inch MacBook Pro always requires a 140W PD adapter for the best real-world experience, especially when running professional workloads.
Apple Other Products.
| Product Type | Product Model | Charging Power | Notes / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch Series 11 | ~≤20W (fast charging support) | Fast charge supported when using Apple Magnetic Fast Charging with 18W+ PD adapter; 0-80% ~ ~30 min. |
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch Ultra 3 / Ultra 2 | ~≤20W (fast charging support) | Same fast charging framework as Series 11; design stays under ~20W overall. |
| Apple Watch | Apple Watch SE 3 | ~≤20W (fast charging support) | Fast-charge capable via USB-C magnetic charging puck + 18W+ adapter. |
| AirPods | AirPods (4th gen / latest base AirPods) | Low (~≤5W typical) | Charging case supports USB-C, Qi/MagSafe; internal device draws low power. |
| AirPods | AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Case (USB-C) | Low (~≤5W typical) | Case supports MagSafe, Qi and wired USB-C; actual charging efficiency is low power. |
| AirPods | AirPods Pro 3 (with MagSafe Charging Case) | Low (~≤5W typical) | Similar wireless/usbc charging behavior to Pro 2; does not support high-watt power draw. |
| AirPods | AirPods Max (USB-C) | Moderate (~≤5W–10W typical) | New USB-C model supports cable charging; typical headphone charging power remains low. |
| Apple Vision | Apple Vision Pro | ~≤60W (max input observed) | Vision Pro reportedly draws up to ~60W from high-watt PD sources but is picky with chargers. [community-reported] |
| Apple Vision | Apple Vision Pro (official spec) | Not disclosed | Official site does not list direct PD wattage; third-party reports confirm up to ~60W max in practice vs PD adapter. |
Apple Watch Series 7 and later models support fast charging with 18W or higher PD adapters—fast charging can take you from 0% to 80% in about 30 minutes. However, actual sustained power consumption is very low (~≤20W), much lower than typical wireless charging.
All AirPods models (standard/AirPods Pro/Pro 3 and AirPods Max USB-C) have low charging power. The charging case is typically ≤5W, with slightly higher power for the earbuds when charging via cable. Even with Qi/MagSafe or wired USB-C connections, it remains a low-power consumer accessory.
Apple doesn’t officially release PD ratings for the Apple Vision Pro, but in practice, it can negotiate up to approximately 60W of input power when paired with a sufficiently powerful PD charger.
Share This Artcle:
Fast delivery
Fastest delivery within 22 days
Quick proofing
Fastest 3-day proofing cycle
After-sale protection
24-month long warranty
1V1Customer Service
Professional customer service follow-up