Hands on with Apple's new dual-output USB-C chargers

Posted:
in General Discussion edited June 2022
Apple's pair of dual-output USB-C are shipping, and are well-suited for many of your daily devices.

Apple's new dual-output chargers
Apple's new dual-output chargers


Surprisingly, Apple had a few hardware announcements up its sleeve at WWDC this year. Most attention fell on the M2 MacBook Pro and the redesigned MacBook Air, but it also released a pair of new USB-C chargers.

Each of these chargers has two USB-C outputs to charge a pair of devices simultaneously at a maximum of 35W. Despite the slightly different design, both chargers support the same amount of power.

35W of power total

Regardless of which version you pick up, you are getting a 35W charger. If you plug in a single device, it will receive the full 35W of power, assuming it is able to accept it. This will be larger devices such as a MacBook Air.

The compact USB-C charger
The compact USB-C charger


When you have two devices connected at once, their power draw will depend on what the devices are. If you are connecting to higher-wattage devices, both will get up to 17.5W equally.

The compact USB-C charger in wall
The compact USB-C charger in wall


This includes connecting a portable Mac alongside an iPhone or iPad or both an iPhone and iPad together. Any combination of those and they'll max out at 17.5W apiece.

When you connect a device with a lower power draw, then the equation changes. AirPods or Apple Watch will draw up to 7.5W while your Mac, iPhone, or iPad will draw up to 27.5W -- device depending.

Global version

The global version of the dual-output charger is slightly larger but is available worldwide. It is the one that looks most familiar to Apple's standard line of high-output chargers.

It's slightly larger than Apple's 20W USB-C brick but has two USB-C ports instead. There's no Apple logo on either side but it retains the ubiquitous all-white appearance Apple is known for.

Dual USB-C charger with plug removed
Dual USB-C charger with plug removed


What makes it unique for global availability is its duckhead design. This style charger allows the plug piece to be removed, which can look like the head of a duck with the plugs open.

With the plug removed, you're able to swap it for international plug heads or extension cables.

Compact edition

Apple limits the availability of the compact version of the charger to countries that support the common Type A plug because it isn't interchangeable. Only those in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, and select other countries are able to purchase Apple's compact dual USB-C charger.

Wall side of the compact USB-C charger
Wall side of the compact USB-C charger


Without the duckhead design, it's very similar in size to Apple's 20W charger but with an all-new design. This compact charger has a perfectly-flat grey back that sits against the wall.

Both versions of Apple's new USB-C chargers
Both versions of Apple's new USB-C chargers


It's much more squat, sitting close to the wall versus protruding from it. On the two sides of the charger are small dimples which make it easier to pull the device from the wall.

Available now

Which version of Apple's dual USB-C charger is best will most certainly depend on your use case and location. For us, we were more partial to the compact model but the tried-and-true universal version will certainly have its fans.

Boxes for Apple's new chargers
Boxes for Apple's new chargers


You're able to buy either of these chargers now for $59 each but they'll also be bundled with specific versions of Apple's new MacBook Air.
  • Buy the 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter for $59.
  • Buy the 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter for $59.
  • Buy the World Travel Adapter Kit for $29
That said, there's also a wealth of third-party multi-port GaN chargers that are more affordable or outfitted with more ports, and we'll be talking about them soon.

Read on AppleInsider
dewmelkrupp

Comments

  • Reply 2 of 6
    JapheyJaphey Posts: 1,767member
    How is it Anker can make the same device and sell it for half of what Apple charges?
    Great question. I have a 735 and a 726 from Anker and they are excellent chargers. Great quality, higher wattage, more than one color, cheaper price, GaN (!). I’m usually pretty adamant about getting first party accessories when possible, even though they are usually more expensive. And I really want to want these, but I’m afraid they’re a hard pass here. I’ve switched almost all my chargers over to GaN, and these just feel like a step backwards to me. 

    Apple missed a great opportunity here to really make a splash at the GaN party. Instead, they quietly slipped into the shallow end while nobody was paying attention. 
    edited June 2022 lkruppwilliamlondonmuthuk_vanalingam
  • Reply 3 of 6
    JapheyJaphey Posts: 1,767member
    That said, there's also a wealth of third-party multi-port GaN chargers that are more affordable or outfitted with more ports, and we'll be talking about them soon. 

    Read on AppleInsider
    I really hope you guys review the Satechi 108w 3-port USB-C charger whenever this happens. I’ve read some conflicting reviews regarding the quality of its build, and I’m interested to see what your impression is.  
    lkruppwilliamlondonfred1
  • Reply 4 of 6
    fastasleepfastasleep Posts: 6,417member
    Weird. You can get far smaller charger with far more power for the same or less $. The "compact" charger isn't really any smaller, either — why bother making it at all?
    lkrupp
  • Reply 5 of 6
    JFC_PAJFC_PA Posts: 932member
    The squat design has appeal, I’ve had the “longer” Anker 735 peel out of loose hotel wall sockets. It’s ideal for power bars etc. that are lying flat where it’s standing up or similar up facing outlets at the base of lamps such as in Moynihan Train Hall, a bit less secure when it’s pointing out as then the small base and weight work to lever out of less than tight outlets. 
    StrangeDays
  • Reply 6 of 6
    JapheyJaphey Posts: 1,767member
    JFC_PA said:
    The squat design has appeal, I’ve had the “longer” Anker 735 peel out of loose hotel wall sockets. It’s ideal for power bars etc. that are lying flat where it’s standing up or similar up facing outlets at the base of lamps such as in Moynihan Train Hall, a bit less secure when it’s pointing out as then the small base and weight work to lever out of less than tight outlets. 
    Yeah, that one does stick out pretty far. I have mine plugged into a power strip/surge protector. 
    lkrupp
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