Sadly, New MacBook Pros Won’t Work With Older MagSafe Chargers

Apple’s newest MacBook Pros are bringing back the MagSafe connector. But if you were hoping to use your old MagSafe chargers with your new laptop, tough luck. 

Apple tells us the latest MacBook Pros will require the newly unveiled MagSafe 3 connector, which is designed to funnel more power into the laptops. Specifically, you’ll need to use the bundled USB-C-to-MagSafe 3 cable, the company says. This cable can connect to the included USB-C power adapter, which can then hook up to an electrical outlet.

(Apple)

The product specs also point out that you can charge the laptops with a USB-C cable via the three Thunderbolt 4 ports, although you won’t get fast charging.  

Still, the news is a downer if you’re on an old MacBook Pro and were hoping to upgrade to the new models. I myself use a MacBook Pro from 2015, and own a pair of 60-watt MagSafe 2 chargers. So if I upgrade, I’ll need to shelve the old chargers and pay for MagSafe 3 peripherals if I ever want an extra charger. 

Apple’s product page for the USB-C-to-Magsafe 3 cable also mentions the cord is only compatible with the upcoming MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models. The same cable costs $49.99, but it doesn’t include a USB-C power adapter. 

(Apple)

For that, a user would have to pay for a 67-watt, 96-watt, or 140-watt USB-C power adapter, depending on their MacBook Pro model, which can range from $59 to $99.

On the plus side, the new MagSafe 3 can charge the MacBook Pros much faster. According to Apple, using MagSafe 3 can recharge a battery by 50% in 30 minutes.

Is there a chance the MagSafe 2 connector works on the new MacBooks, given that both use a 5-pin connector? Unclear, though we don’t recommend using unauthorized cables with your electronics, since that’s a good way to start a fire. Stay tuned for our reviews.