14-inch MacBook Pro Can Fast Charge Via Thunderbolt, But Fast Charge Limited to MagSafe in 16-inch Model

With the debut of the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, Apple has brought a fast charge capability to the Mac for the first time, allowing users to charge the laptop battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes.

macbook pro magsafe 3 charging
But there's a difference between models with this feature that Apple didn't really mention. While both models can be charged over Thunderbolt or MagSafe, only the 14-inch MacBook Pro can fast charge over the USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as ‌MagSafe‌.

By contrast, the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ is limited to fast charging over the ‌MagSafe‌ port. The reason is likely down to the fact that the Thunderbolt 4 ports are capable of charging at a maximum of 100W, and the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ uses a 140W power adapter, so the same fast charging speed can't be claimed. Meanwhile, the 14-inch model uses a 67W power adapter for the 8-core machine and a 96W power adapter for the 10-core machine, so it doesn't reach the maximum TB4 power delivery.

This limitation on the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ is unlikely to be a big deal for most users, as the ‌MagSafe‌ 3 port is made exclusively for charging and won't be engaged for any other reason. That said, this difference between the two seems worth highlighting given the various cable/dock setups prospective owners could be envisioning for their workflow.

The new ‌MacBook Pro‌ models can be ordered now, with pricing starting at $1,999 for the 14-inch model and at $2,499 for the 16-inch model. The notebooks will begin arriving to customers and launch in stores on Tuesday, October 26.

Related Roundup: MacBook Pro
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Top Rated Comments

Serban55 Avatar
52 months ago
Ofc, since the usbC can charge max cap at 100W...so 100W for the 14" battery can work...but for the 16" it needs that 140W
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kuckuckstein Avatar
52 months ago
I would not call this a caveat. There is now again a dedicated power supply port with the beloved mag safe feature and it can do the work it is intended for.
It is a nice add on that USB C can also provide power and charging, but I have always been happy with the charging speed of my old MacBooks, and if USB C provides that as well I think users will be in charging heaven: fast through mag safe, normal if needed through USB C.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bug-Creator Avatar
52 months ago

I’m not understanding and sure why fast charging is limited to 16" only?
Cos you didn't understand what this is about.

TB is limited to 100W on both MBPs, for the 14" with the smaller battery thats already considered fast charging, while the bigger battery in the 16" can take up to 140W which can only be supplied via MagSafe.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
notabadname Avatar
52 months ago
I wonder if can you disable fast charging to protect battery health/longevity ?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kuckuckstein Avatar
52 months ago

I wonder if can you disable fast charging to protect battery health/longevity ?
Use a power supply that would not be powerful enough?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mystery hill Avatar
52 months ago
The 14-inch is fast-charge–capable with the 96W USB-C Power Adapter.

(67W USB-C Power Adapter is included with M1 Pro with 8-core CPU)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)