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Since the inception of the MacBook in 2006, Apple has provided power adaptors for its MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models. But what power adaptor goes with your MacBook? This article delves into the distinctions between them and guides you on selecting the appropriate replacement charger for your device.
GENERATIONS OF THE APPLE MACBOOK CHARGER
Choosing the correct replacement MacBook charger is paramount to guarantee compatibility with your device. An incompatible charger, stemming from a different generation, will not function due to a mismatch in connection. The MacBook has evolved through four power adapter forms: MagSafe (T and L shape), MagSafe 2, USB-C, and the latest MagSafe 3. All devices that use MagSafe 3 can also be charged using USB-C.
| Power Adaptor | Release Year | Connector |
| MagSafe Version 1 T Shape (Left) Version 2 L Shape (Right) | 2006 - 2012 | |
| MagSafe 2 | 2012 - 2017 | |
| USB-C | 2015-2020 | |
| MagSafe 3 | 2021 - Present | |
What is MagSafe? If you are interested in the history of MagSafe charging please find our article here.
How do I know what MacBook I have?
Before acquiring a new MacBook charger, it's essential to determine the specific model of your MacBook. There are a few ways you can check which device you have.
About this mac
If your device is operational, identifying its model is a straightforward process. Access the "About This Mac" feature by clicking on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your desktop. From there, select "About This Mac" to view the specification overview, including details such as the MacBook model name, year of manufacture, and serial number.
For a comprehensive hardware overview, navigate to "More info" and scroll to the bottom of the window, then choose "System Report". Within the Hardware Overview section, you will locate essential details such as the Model Identifier and Model Number.
Apple serial check
If your device is unable to boot, you can still determine its model by checking the serial number located on the base of your MacBook. The serial number, a 11-digit code comprising both numbers and letters, can be entered into Apple's Check Coverage tool for identification.
Having identified your MacBook model, refer to the tables below to determine the appropriate charger for your specific device.
What Macbook Air Charger Do I Need?
Presented below is a table outlining each MacBook Air model number alongside its respective Apple charger.
macbook Air table
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| MacBook Air Model | Model Number | Model Identifier | Apple Power Adaptor |
| MacBook Air 2023 (M2, 15-inch) | A2941 | Mac14,15 | 35W or 70W USB-C and MagSafe 3 |
| A2337 | MacBookAir10,1 | 30W or 67W USB-C and Magsafe 3 | |
| A2337 | MacBookAir10,1 | 30W USB-C | |
| A2179 | MacBookAir9,1 | 30W USB-C | |
| A1932 | MacBookAir8,2 | 30W USB-C | |
| MacBook Air 2018 (Retina, 13-inch) | A1932 | MacBookAir8,1 | 30W USB-C |
| MacBook Air 2017 (13-inch) | A1466 | MacBookAir7,2 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Early 2015 (13-inch) | A1466 | MacBookAir7 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Early 2015 (11-inch) | A1465 | MacBookAir7,1 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Early 2014 (13-inch) | A1466 | MacBookAir6,2 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Early 2014 (11-inch) | A1465 | MacBookAir6,1 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Mid 2013 (13-inch) | A1466 | MacBookAir6,2 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Mid 2013 (11-inch) | A1465 | MacBookAir6,1 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Mid 2012 (13-inch) | A1466 | MacBookAir5,2 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Mid 2012 (11-inch) | A1465 | MacBookAir5,1 | 45W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Air Mid 2011 (13-inch) | A1369 | MacBookAir4,2 | 45W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Air Mid 2011 (11-inch) | A1370 | MacBookAir4,1 | 45W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Air Late 2010 (13-inch) | A1369 | MacBookAir3,2 | 45W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Air Late 2010 (11-inch) | A1370 | MacBookAir3,1 | 45W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Air Mid 2009 | A1304 | MacBookAir2,1 | 45W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Air Late 2008 | A1304 | MacBookAir2,1 | 45W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Air 2008 | A1237 | MacBookAir1,1 | 45W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
What Macbook PRO Charger Do I Need?
Presented below is a table outlining each MacBook Pro model number alongside its respective Apple charger.
macbook pro table
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| MacBook Air Model | Model Number | Model Identifier | Apple Power Adaptor |
| MacBook Pro Nov 2023 (M3 Pro and M3 Max, 16-inch) | A2991 | Mac15,11 | 140W USB-C and MagSafe 3 |
| MacBook Pro Nov 2023 (M3 Pro and M3 Max, 14-inch) | A2992 | Mac15,6 | 70W (11-core) or 96W (12-core) USB-C and Magsafe 3 |
| MacBook Pro Nov 2023 (M3, 14-inch) | A2918 | Mac15,3 | 70W USB-C and MagSafe 3 |
| A2780 | Mac14,10 | 140W USB-C and MagSafe 3 | |
| A2779 | Mac14,9 | 67W (10-core) or 96W (12-core) USB-C and MagSafe 3 | |
| A2485 | MacBookPro18,1 | 140W USB-C and MagSafe 3 | |
| A2442 | MacBookPro18,3 | 67W (8-core) or 96W (10-core) USB-C and MagSafe 3 | |
| A2338 | MacBookPro17,1 | 61W USB-C | |
| A2251 | MacBookPro16,2 | 61W USB-C | |
| A2141 | MacBookPro16,1 | 96W USB-C | |
| A2159 | MacBookPro15,4 | 61W USB-C | |
| A1990 | MacBookPro15,1 | 87W USB-C | |
| MacBook Pro 2018 (15-inch) | A1990 | MacBookPro15,1 | 87W USB-C |
| MacBook Pro 2018 (13-inch) | A1989 | MacBookPro15,2 | 61W USB-C |
| MacBook Pro 2017 (15-inch) | A1707 | MacBookPro14,3 | 87W USB-C |
| MacBook Pro 2017 (13-inch) | A1706 | MacBookPro14,2 | 61W USB-C |
| MacBook Pro 2016 (15-inch | A1707 | MacBookPro13,3 | 87W USB-C |
| MacBook Pro 2016 (13-inch) | A1706 | MacBookPro13,2 | 61W USB-C |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2015 (15-inch) | A1398 | MacBookPro11,4 | 85W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Early 2015 (13-inch) | A1502 | MacBookPro12,1 | 60W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2014 (15-inch) | A1398 | MacBookPro11,2 | 85W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2014 (13-inch) | A1502 | MacBookPro11,1 | 60W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Late 2013 (15-inch) | A1398 | MacBookPro11,2 | 85W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Late 2013 (13-inch) | A1502 | MacBookPro11,1 | 60W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Early 2013 (15-inch) | A1398 | MacBookPro10,1 | 85W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Early 2013 (13-inch) | A1425 | MacBookPro10,2 | 60W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Retina Late 2012 | A1425 | MacBookPro10,2 | 60W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Retina Mid 2012 (15-inch) | A1398 | MacBookPro10,1 | 85W MagSafe 2 |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2012 (15-inch) | A1286 | MacBookPro9,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2012 (13-inch) | A1278 | MacBookPro9,2 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Late 2011 (17-inch) | A1297 | MacBookPro8,3 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Late 2011 (15-inch) | A1286 | MacBookPro8,2 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Late 2011 (13-inch) | A1278 | MacBookPro8,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Early 2011 (17-inch) | A1297 | MacBookPro8,3 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Early 2011 (15-inch) | A1286 | MacBookPro8,2 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Early 2011 (13-inch) | A1278 | MacBookPro8,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2010 (17-inch) | A1297 | MacBookPro6,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2010 (15-inch) | A1286 | MacBookPro6,2 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2010 (13-inch) | A1278 | MacBookPro7,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2009 (17-inch) | A1297 | MacBookPro5,2 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2009 (15-inch) | A1286 | MacBookPro5,3 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro 2.53Ghz Mid 2009 | A1286 | MacBookPro5,4 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid 2009 (13-inch) | A1278 | MacBookPro5,5 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Early 2009 (17-inch) | A1297 | MacBookPro5,2 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Late 2008 (17-inch) | A1261 | MacBookPro4,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Late 2008 (15-inch) | A1286 | MacBookPro5,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Early 2008 (17-inch) | A1261 | MacBookPro4,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Early 2008 (15-inch) | A1260 | MacBookPro4,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid/Late 2007 (17-inch) | A1229 | MacBookPro3,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Mid/Late 2007 (15-inch) | A1226 | MacBookPro3,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 2007 | A1212 | MacBookPro2,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo 2007 | A1211 | MacBookPro2,2 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro Glossy 2006 (15-inch) | A1150 | MacBookPro1,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro 2006 (17-inch) | A1151 | MacBookPro1,2 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Pro 2006 (15-inch) | A1150 | MacBookPro1,1 | 85W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
What Macbook Charger Do I Need?
Presented below is a table outlining each MacBook model number alongside its respective Apple charger.
macbook table
Click here
| MacBook Air Model | Model Number | Model Identifier | Apple Power Adaptor |
| MacBook Retina 2017 (12-inch) | A1534 | MacBook10,1 | 29W USB-C |
| MacBook Retina Early 2016 (12-inch) | A1534 | MacBook9,1 | 29W USB-C |
| MacBook Retina Early 2015 (12-inch) | A1534 | MacBook8,1 | 29W USB-C |
| MacBook Mid 2010 (13-inch) | A1342 | MacBook7,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Late 2009 (13-inch) | A1342 | MacBook6,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) L Shape |
| MacBook Mid 2009 (13-inch) | A1181 | MacBook5,2 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Early 2009 (13-inch) | A1181 | MacBook5,2 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Aluminium Late 2008 | A1278 | MacBook5,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Late 2008 (13-inch) | A1181 | MacBook4,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Early 2008 (13-inch) | A1181 | MacBook4,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Late 2007 (13-inch) | A1181 | MacBook3,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Mid 2007 (13-inch) | A1181 | MacBook2,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook Late 2006 (13-inch) | A1181 | MacBook2,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
| MacBook 2006 (13-inch) | A1181 | MacBook1,1 | 60W MagSafe (version 1) T Shape |
FAQ
Do I need to purchase an official Apple charger?
We strongly advise opting for an official Apple USB C charger to guarantee the correct wattage and voltage specifications for your MacBook. While third-party chargers are available, it's crucial to make purchases from reputable sellers to ensure efficient and safe charging for your MacBook. Anker chargers, for example, provide MacBook-compatible power adaptors at a more affordable price compared to Apple's offerings.
What is magsafe?
MagSafe, a charging technology unveiled by Apple in 2006 alongside the MacBook Pro launch, derives its name from the combination of 'Magnet' and 'Safe.' MagSafe improves the charger's connection to the device by using magnets to create a truer connection. The magnetic connection allows for easy disconnection if a user accidentally trips on the cable, preventing potential damage to the device.
why did apple introduce usb-c charging?
The Macbook USB-C charger was introduced in 2015 and was utilised until 2020. Apple aimed to harness the versatility of USB-C, capitalising on its capacity to handle data transfer, video output, and device charging all through a single port.
Can you change the plug type on an Apple charger?
Certainly, you can modify the plug type by detaching the Apple plug, commonly known as the duckhead, from the power adapter and replacing it with the regional duckhead that you require. If you would like to purchase regional plugs, we recommend Apple's official World Travel Adapter Kit which includes seven of the most widely used AC plugs. Additionally, users have the option to interchange the Apple charger cable on USB-C power adapters, facilitating the transition between MagSafe 3 and USB-C without the necessity of unplugging the power adapter from the socket.
Can you charge a MacBook with a different wattage?
If your device supports USB-C power adapter, you're in luck, as you can utilise any Apple USB-C charger to power it. For optimal charging performance, it is advised to use a charger with wattage equal to or higher than the USB-C charger supplied with your MacBook.
What should I do if I have replaced my charger and my MacBook doesn't boot?
If your device fails to boot after replacing the charger, several factors could be at play. It's possible that the charger purchased may not be the correct one for your MacBook, or there might be an underlying hardware issue with your device. Please see the provided tables above to verify the charger's compatibility with your device. If your MacBook won’t charge, we recommend reaching out to an Apple authorised repair centre. Locate your local centre here.
If you're seeking a replacement MacBook, Hoxton Macs offers an extensive range of refurbished MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models at competitive prices.
