Why do they mean by "USB-C power port" in MBA vs MBP specs? {Using non-designated MBP USB-C port to charge results in higher CPU usage?}

[UltimateSyn]

Saw it here in the specs:

Does this mean that MBA can't charge other devices through the USB-C ports but MBP can...?

 

[aednichols]

Same question.

One interpretation would be that the Pro has 2 Thunderbolt ports and an additional port for power only. Very sensible because you don't waste a super versatile, high performance port on mere charging.

But the photos clearly show only 2 ports.

 

[aednichols]

Same question.

One interpretation would be that the Pro has 2 Thunderbolt ports and an additional port for power only. Very sensible because you don't waste a super versatile, high performance port on mere charging.

But the photos clearly show only 2 ports.

It could also be that the Pro supports 20 watt USB-C charging while the Air only does 10w or whatever the baseline is.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Same question.

One interpretation would be that the Pro has 2 Thunderbolt ports and an additional port for power only. Very sensible because you don't waste a super versatile, high performance port on mere charging.

But the photos clearly show only 2 ports.

Interesting response from John at Apple Support:

 

[aednichols]

Very nice legwork, thank you!

Have just ordered the MBA.

 

[joevt]

The power port is only mentioned in the "Compare" UI. It doesn't appear in the MacBook Pro tech specs page.

 

[ian87w]

So basically on the Pro, one of the USB-C ports can deliver more power for charging devices (eg iPhones). Did I understand this correctly?

 

[aednichols]

So basically on the Pro, one of the USB-C ports can deliver more power for charging devices (eg iPhones). Did I understand this correctly?

No, one of the USB-C ports can deliver more power to charge the laptop.

 

[537635]

So what, one port charges the laptop with 30W (18W?) and the other one with 61W?

Seriously?

 

[aednichols]

So what, one port charges the laptop with 30W (18W?) and the other one with 61W?

Seriously?

We don’t have any details other than “for best results, use this one”.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I believe this got lost in the litany of post-event threads, and I think this could be an aspect that many are unaware of so I’m bumping the thread.

 

[537635]

I believe this got lost in the litany of post-event threads, and I think this could be an aspect that many are unaware of so I’m bumping the thread.

I think this will be quickly revisited, once people start getting their devices and finding out these USB-C ports only look the same.

(I haven't seen anywhere how people will tell, which port is which... I assume the top most port will be for charging)

 

[ophh1]

But that power port had already been existed since 2016.
Then which port is the designated charging port?

 

[537635]

But that power port had already been existed since 2016.
Then which port is the designated charging port?

It could be different each time you power on the laptop... just to make it fun.

 

[Henk van Ess]

Monitoring https://support.apple.com/manuals/macnotebooks with a tool now

 

[UltimateSyn]

But that power port had already been existed since 2016.
Then which port is the designated charging port?

Interesting. I hadn’t been aware of this issue (or maybe I had been in the past but forgot, that’s not uncommon for me).

Here’s an article for those unaware on the existing version of this situation: https://www.imore.com/heres-why-you...e-your-macbook-using-ports-its-right-side?amp

It seems like currently the situation is only side-dependent? So either of the ports on the right side of current four-port machines are fine? But then the implication for these new two-port machines is that only one of those two ports will be fine? And when I say fine I mean not lead to high CPU usage.

 

[deeddawg]

the implication for these new two-port machines is that only one of those two ports will be fine? And when I say fine I mean not lead to high CPU usage.

you’re assuming the chat support agent is correct in what he wrote.

I tend to be a bit more skeptical about what support agents say. Maybe the agent is correct, maybe the agent isn’t. We’ll find out in a few days and until then it’s not worth worrying about.

 

[4sallypat]

So the new M1 design Macbooks have a specific port for charging.

Why such a distinction ?

My 16" MBP with 4 TB3 ports all can take the 96W charger without any difference...

 

[UltimateSyn]

you’re assuming the chat support agent is correct in what he wrote.

I tend to be a bit more skeptical about what support agents say. Maybe the agent is correct, maybe the agent isn’t. We’ll find out in a few days and until then it’s not worth worrying about.

You’re right, I am making that assumption. I did ask him how he knew what he knew, and he said they had access to some additional support documents that he had reviewed after someone else asked the question, so I trusted him. Certainly not claiming this to be 100% certified, but it does seem like a believable and likely reason for that difference called out in the spec sheet.

 

[aednichols]

We also know that charging in certain ports, or perhaps the whole right side, of some USB-C models cause high CPU usage and/or high heat.

This charge port development seems like an attempt to fix that.

 

[deeddawg]

So the new M1 design Macbooks have a specific port for charging.

Why such a distinction ?

My 16" MBP with 4 TB3 ports all can take the 96W charger without any difference...

This has not been shown to be a fact at this time.