Apple's newly revealed dual-port USB-C power adapters, that officially went sale recently, are the firm's first-ever effort at dual chargers. Superficial, that might just seem like a standard compact two-port adapter, however its smart power-sharing ability is the bread and butter.
Whereas a great deal of the devices attention out of WWDC22 paid attention to the revamped MacBook Air and the M2 MacBook Pro, Apple did disclose two models of a dual USB-C adapter, some thing that has been certainly intensively gossiped ever since April.
All of the brand new adapters comes fitted with two USB-C ports, up to 35W of electrical power, and the same price. The only difference is a difference in style.
Oddly enough, the initial thing that caught my attention was its weight. Coming in just a little bigger in dimensions compared to Apple's 20W single-port USB-C plug, the compact 35W dual adapter comes with some heftiness to it, which is understandable given its functionality in such a small form factor and considering it's Apple first attempt at a dual charging adapter.
The design is also nothing short of what you 'd anticipate from Apple, glossy white, prone to scratches, and looks modern straight out of the case. But where this product shines, is what it will do on the interior.
Intelligent power-sharing
As set out in the Apple support documentation, both variations of the new dual adapter automatically disperse the modest 35W of power based on each of the connected devices' "power requirements". Given that MacBooks, iPhones, as well as iPads draw more power than Apple Watches and Airpods, a larger share of power level will be alloted.
If you connect both a MacBook and iPhone for example, the wattage is equally divided among the pair of, each getting up to 17.5 W. Power is additionally uniformly split up in between two smaller sized gadgets as well (i.e. an Apple Watch and even Airpods). Nevertheless when pairing a priority unit with a smaller one, the power is split 27.5 W/7.5 W.
The new dual USB-C adapters have very restricted compatibility with MacBooks. According to its product page, simply just MacBook Airs from 2018-2022 and also the outcasted MacBook, are completely compatible. I say "fully" given that it did still recharge my 2020 M1 MacBook Pro as well as AirPods case at the same time, still, it was a bit lethargic and didn't appear to smartly designate power.
The expense. Is it worth it?
Each the basic 35W dual USB-C port power adapter as well as the compact model are priced at $59; not cheap, when matched up to other options on Amazon and Campad Electronics. Obviously, I don't assume that the whole entire price is reasonable, but I do think its capability to assign wattage being dependent on the device operates very well and sets it apart.
It really would've been lovely to observe Apple do even more with the standard dual adapter, its more substantial dimensions could've surely meant additional wattage while keeping the portable model at 35W along with lowering the price tag a bit.
What are your ideas on the new dual adapters? Do you intend on picking one up?