Knowledge Builders

why does macbook have 2 power cords

by Dr. Karine Abernathy DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Because Apple wants to get you to buy a adapter, that takes up two ports, just so it can have a usable experience, as its just too much work to add a type a usb3. Reveal hidden contents Reveal hidden contents

All replies. The thin wire connects to the MagSafe port on the MacBook Pro. To add to what others have said, the three prong plug allows the charger to be grounded, the two prong plug that can plug into the three prong cord assembly does not.Jul 5, 2013

Full Answer

What happens if I use a different power adapter for Mac?

If you use a power adapter that is lower in wattage than the adapter that came with your Mac, it won't provide enough power to your computer. Mac notebooks that charge via USB-C come with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter with detachable AC plug (or "duckhead"), and a USB-C Charge Cable.

Can You charge a MacBook Pro with two power supplies?

Your MacBook Pro draws power from only one power supply, even if more than one is attached—so using multiple power supplies will not speed up charging. If you connect multiple power supplies to your MacBook Pro, the one that provides the most power will be used, regardless of the order in which you connected them.

Can I Charge my Mac with a higher wattage USB-C cable?

If you use a higher wattage USB-C cable, your Mac will charge normally but you won't see an increase in charging speed. USB-C cables rated for 29W or 30W will work with any USB-C power adapter, but won't provide enough power when connected to a power adapter that is more than 30W, such as the 61W USB-C Power Adapter.

Why does the power cord have a 3 prong plug?

However, with the Apple MacBook Power adapter, polarization doesn't matter (no adapter needed) and the ground on the the prong cable isn't connected. My suspicion is that Apple went with the 3 prong for the cable because they wanted to ensure that it was used with higher quality outlets and because it helps secure the cable in place.

See more

image

Can you plug 2 Chargers in a MacBook Pro?

Your Mac charges over only one port at a time, so connecting multiple power adapters to the MagSafe 3 port and Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports won't result in faster charging. If you connect more than one power source, your Mac charges only from the adapter providing the most power.

What are the two plugs that come with MacBook Air?

Apple equips its Macs with Thunderbolt ports that are compatible with USB-C. A new MacBook Pro comes with either two or three of these ports, depending on the model you pick. A new MacBook Air has a pair. A 24-inch iMac comes with two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports; some models also include two USB-C ports.

What are the two charging ports on MacBook Pro?

Power. Use the power port on your Mac notebook to connect your computer to AC power using a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable and USB-C power adapter, MagSafe 2 power adapter, or MagSafe power adapter. Some Mac notebooks have a dedicated charging port while others use only USB-C ports to charge.

What is the AC power cord for MacBook Air?

Apple 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter - Apple.

Can I charge my MacBook Air with USB?

You can charge your MacBook Air using either of the Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. Check the battery's charge. Look at the battery status icon at the right of the menu bar to see the battery level or charging status.

Is USB-C and Thunderbolt the same?

USB-C ports and Thunderbolt ports are universal, but they're not entirely the same. Thunderbolt ports are fully compatible with USB-C devices and cables, but Thunderbolt ports offer several features that make them stand out from USB-C ports.

What is a Thunderbolt port used for?

Thunderbolt gives users a chance to use one cable to access high-speed and high-resolution media using one port with a cable that can access both DisplayPort and PCI Express. Thunderbolt has technology built into it that allows PCI Express speed to come in a simple and convenient way.

What is a Thunderbolt cable?

The Apple Thunderbolt Cable lets you connect a Thunderbolt-equipped system to a Thunderbolt device. Connect a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac in target disk mode to another Mac for fast data access or system migration, or network two Thunderbolt-equipped computers.

When did the MacBook Air come out?

11-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2010 through 2011. * Adapters that shipped with the MacBook Air (Original), MacBook Air (Late 2008), and MacBook Air (Mid 2009) are not recommended for use with MacBook Air (Late 2010) models. When possible, use your computer's original adapter or a newer adapter.

What is the serial number of a USB C cable?

If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 61W. If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC, CTC, FTL, or G0J, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 100W.

Does a USB C charger work on a Mac?

If you use a higher wattage USB-C cable, your Mac will still charge normally. USB-C cables rated for 29W or 30W will work with any USB-C power adapter, but won't provide enough power when connected to a power adapter that is more than 61W, such as the 96W USB-C Power Adapter.

Does MacBook Air have a MagSafe charger?

Mac notebooks that charge via MagSafe come with an AC adapter with MagSafe connector and detachable AC plug, and an AC cable. The images below show the style of adapter that comes with each MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. If you're not sure which model Mac you have, use these articles: Identify your MacBook. Identify your MacBook Pro.

Can you charge a MacBook Pro with multiple power supplies?

Apple has released a support article (and another one) describing this: Your MacBook Pro draws power from only one power supply, even if more than one is attached—so using multiple power supplies will not speed up charging.

Can a charger push the wrong voltage?

They don't push power (watts) but they do push VOLTAGE. And if a charger pushes the wrong voltage, bad things can happen to your device. The voltage is negotiated between devices (e.g. charger/mac), but if the charger is non-compliant, bad things can happen. This person tried it and it lost its ability to charge.

How many USB ports does the MacBook Air have?

The MacBook Air had two USB 3 ports and one Thunderbolt/USB-C port MacBook Air - Technical Specifications - Apple. USB type A ports are bound to go sooner than later and removal of these are understandable. Market research could have shown users use only two USB ports.

Which is better, MacBook Pro or USB C?

USB-C can conduct more power and transfer data at faster speeds. MacBook has only one USB port; so the Pro is better equipped with two. I don’t think cost savings would have been an issue here; adding couple more wouldn’t have cost a fortune and at this price point Apple will have very healthy margins.

What is USB C on Mac?

USB-C in a Mac does enable a lot more than just a USB connection. It simplifies the connection of monitors, power, and a ton of other peripherals. It is one of the biggest simplifications of interfaces from the user’s point of view.

Does MacBook Pro have Thunderbolt 3?

The base MacBook Pro has a single Alpine Ridge Thunderbolt 3 controller which can only support two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. The other models have two controllers. It could have been due to multiple reasons. It could have been due to multiple reasons.

When did the MacBook Air come out?

11-inch MacBook Air models introduced in 2010 through 2011. * Adapters that shipped with the MacBook Air (Original), MacBook Air (Late 2008), and MacBook Air (Mid 2009) are not recommended for use with MacBook Air (Late 2010) models. When possible, use your computer's original adapter or a newer adapter.

What is the serial number of a USB C cable?

If the first three characters of the serial number are C4M or FL4, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 61W. If the first three characters of the serial number are DLC, CTC, FTL, or G0J, the cable is for use with an Apple USB-C Power Adapter up to 100W.

Does a USB C charger work on a Mac?

If you use a higher wattage USB-C cable, your Mac will still charge normally. USB-C cables rated for 29W or 30W will work with any USB-C power adapter, but won't provide enough power when connected to a power adapter that is more than 61W, such as the 96W USB-C Power Adapter.

Does MacBook Air have a MagSafe charger?

Mac notebooks that charge via MagSafe come with an AC adapter with MagSafe connector and detachable AC plug, and an AC cable. The images below show the style of adapter that comes with each MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. If you're not sure which model Mac you have, use these articles: Identify your MacBook. Identify your MacBook Pro.

image

1.Why does the MacBook come with 2 power cords? What …

Url:https://www.quora.com/Why-does-the-MacBook-come-with-2-power-cords-What-function-do-they-serve

17 hours ago Question: Q: Why does my MacBook have two power cords? Why do I have two power cords with my new MacBook Air? More Less. Posted on Jan 26, 2013 3:24 PM Reply I have this question too I have this question too Me too Me too. All replies Drop Down menu. first Page 1 of 1 Page 1/1 ...

2.Why does my MacBook have two power cords? - Apple …

Url:https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4745941

5 hours ago It comes with a power adapter that can be made longer with the bigger power cord. If you look closely at the MacBook’s power adapter, you will see that the part that plugs into the wall comes off. It is a little piece no more than about an inch square. What are the two plugs that come with MacBook Air? Apple equips its Macs with Thunderbolt ports that are compatible with USB-C. A …

3.why does my macbook pro have two differen… - Apple …

Url:https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4157664

18 hours ago  · Question: Q: why does my macbook pro have two different power cords. Why does my Macbook Pro have two different power cords? More Less. MacBook Pro Posted on Jul 30, 2012 7:57 AM Reply I have this question too I ... The thick power cord is a replacement if you want to extend the length of your charger. ...

4.About Mac power adapters - Apple Support

Url:https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201700

27 hours ago  · one of the reasons for adapters like this is power delivery and circuit separation. typically you'll see adapters like that have 2 ports because there will be a USB-c pass through port for charging and the other port will break out into the other USB, hdmi, sd card reader etc isolating the ~100watts at 20volts of power over USB-c which you absolutely don't want going …

5.Can Someone Explain Why MacBook Adapter Uses all …

Url:https://linustechtips.com/topic/1255155-can-someone-explain-why-macbook-adapter-uses-all-two-ports/

26 hours ago  · Your MacBook Pro draws power from only one power supply, even if more than one is attached—so using multiple power supplies will not speed up charging. If you connect multiple power supplies to your MacBook Pro, the one that provides the most power will be used, regardless of the order in which you connected them.

6.What happens if you plug more than one charger in the …

Url:https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/259744/what-happens-if-you-plug-more-than-one-charger-in-the-new-macbook-pro-2016

5 hours ago Answer (1 of 7): It could have been due to multiple reasons. 1. The outgoing MacBook Pro with retina display had two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and two USB type A ports MacBook Pro - Technical Specifications 2015 2. The MacBook Air had two USB 3 ports and one Thunderbolt/USB-C port MacBook Air - Te...

7.Why does the new base Apple MacBook Pro have just 2 …

Url:https://www.quora.com/Why-does-the-new-base-Apple-MacBook-Pro-have-just-2-USB-C-ports

34 hours ago However, with the Apple MacBook Power adapter, polarization doesn't matter (no adapter needed) and the ground on the the prong cable isn't connected. My suspicion is that Apple went with the 3 prong for the cable because they wanted to ensure that it was used with higher quality outlets and because it helps secure the cable in place.

8.Why does the MacBook charger extension cord have 3 …

Url:https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1a3gm7/why_does_the_macbook_charger_extension_cord_have/

4 hours ago  · About Mac power adapters. Learn which power adapter and cable comes with your Mac notebook computer. MacBook Air. MacBook Pro. MacBook. If your Mac uses USB-C to charge, you can charge your Mac notebook with any USB-C power adapter or display. For the best charging experience, you should use the power adapter and cable included with your Mac ...

9.About Mac power adapters - Apple Support (CA)

Url:https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT201700

11 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9