The excitement surrounding Apple’s M1 chip in 2020 set the stage for the highly anticipated M2 chip this year, which brings not only considerable performance enhancements but also the advent of hardware redesigns tailored to the new processor architecture. Unlike the original M1 products, which were essentially Intel designs with new internals, the current iterations, starting with the MacBook Air (M2, 2022), showcase tangible changes.
Fast charging is a standout feature of the new MacBook Air, mirroring Apple’s approach with other products like the iPhone where fast chargers are not standard inclusions. The base model is paired with a 30W USB-C Power Adapter, but it’s advisable to upgrade to the 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter or the 67W USB-C Power Adapter for efficient charging. The 67W adapter is essential for fast charging, significantly outpacing the 35W adapter in tests; it charged the MacBook Air in 85 minutes compared to 120 minutes with the 35W adapter alone and 220 minutes when the latter also powered an iPhone 13 Pro.
The 67W adapter also demonstrates practical rapid charging; half an hour’s charge can deliver a 51% battery, equating to about four hours of usage, a boon for users in urgent need of power. In contrast, the 35W adapter requires at least 55 minutes to achieve similar battery levels.
Apple offers different adapters with the MacBook Air to cater to varying user needs. For the higher-end models starting with 512GB of storage, the 35W dual-port comes as standard, but you can opt for the 67W model at no extra cost.
In testing, the 30W adapter proved slower, reaching a half charge in nearly an hour and a full charge in 140 minutes. The 35W Dual USB-C Compact Power Adapter, while compact and capable of charging two devices simultaneously, showed a drastic decrease in charging performance when powering two devices. Nonetheless, it offers flexibility, enabling two devices to charge slowly or one at a reasonable speed. Meanwhile, the 67W USB-C Power Adapter, although larger and with just a single port, offers the fastest charge, aligning with Apple’s claim of 50% charge in 30 minutes.
Ultimately, the 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter stands out for its versatility despite its inability to fast charge. It represents a balanced option between the base 30W adapter, which is slower and less flexible, and the 67W adapter, which caters to those who need quick charging in short timeframes. For those seeking a more versatile third-party solution, products like the Anker 735 charger offer additional ports and similar power output in a compact form.
Since 2016, Usman has flourished as an independent tech journalist, reveling in the evaluation of diverse tech gadgets, with a particular fondness for charging technology to ascertain product performance. Besides his journalistic endeavors, he helms the Charger Harbor YouTube channel, where he extends his tech insights to a broader audience.