Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter on a MacBook Air: Measured

Apple's 61W USB-C adapter measured on a MacBook Air: a 60 W contract at 3 A using USB PD 2.0.

Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter, model A1947, front view with a single USB-C port.

Apple’s older 61W USB-C power adapter, tested against a MacBook Air with a low battery, per the methodology.

60.9W 45.0W 27.0W 15.6W. Input 100-240V~ 1.5A 50-60Hz. EMC 3216. USB PD Output 20.3V at 3.0A, or 15.0V at 3.0A, or 9.0V at 3.0A, or 5.2V at 3.0A. Liteon Tech Corp. E132068.

The numbers

Rated61 W
Negotiated60 W (20 V up to 3 A)
Live draw57.6 W (19.8 V at 2.91 A)
ProtocolUSB PD 2.0

Profile menu: 15 W (5 V up to 3 A), 27 W (9 V up to 3 A), 45 W (15 V up to 3 A), 60 W (20 V up to 3 A).

61W USB-C Power Adapter. Designed by Apple in California, Assembled in China. Model A1947. TM and copyright 2019 Apple Inc.

A complete rail but an old spec

Like the 87W adapter, this 61W model uses the older USB PD 2.0 specification. But unlike the 87W, it actually offers a full set of voltage rails: 5 V, 9 V, 15 V, and 20 V. It even outputs a standard 3 A on its 5 V rail, making it behave much more like a modern charger in terms of compatibility.

Because it correctly tops out at exactly 3 A (60 W) on the 20 V rail, it doesn’t require a 5A e-marked cable like the 67W, 87W, or 96W Apple chargers. Any standard 3A USB-C cable will let it deliver its maximum supported power to a Mac.