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).

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.

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

Replaced by the 67W

Apple no longer sells the 61W adapter. Its direct replacement is the Apple 70W USB-C Power Adapter, which updates the specification to PD 3.0 and introduces a 5A cable requirement to reach its full wattage.