Apple has moved its newer 70W and 140W power adapters to a pill-shaped socket called AC Connector 2. Older extension cables and plug heads built for the notched AC Connector 1 won’t fit them.
To fill the gap, Apple now sells an AC Connector 2 World Travel Adapter Kit for $39. A matching AC Connector 2 extension cable costs $19.
Apple’s support document on the change, published October 28, spells out the problem:
Extension cables and duckheads aren’t cross-compatible between AC connector types, so make sure that your accessory has the correct AC connector for your power adapter.
Apple attributes the switch to updated regulations but doesn’t say which ones. The incompatibility also runs both ways. New AC Connector 2 accessories won’t fit AC Connector 1 adapters such as the 35W Dual Port and 96W models.
How to tell which AC connector you have
Don’t go by wattage alone. Apple says the connector can differ depending on when an adapter was made. An older 70W or 140W adapter may still use AC Connector 1.
Instead, look at the socket where the plug head or extension cable slides on.
- AC Connector 2: pill-shaped socket. It takes the new travel kit and the AC Connector 2 extension cable.
- AC Connector 1: notched socket. It takes older plug heads and the AC Connector 1 extension cable.
Apple’s diagram above outlines the pill-shaped socket on both the adapter and the plug head. Match that shape before you buy a replacement accessory.
What travellers now need to buy
Both connector families are on sale at the same time, so it’s easy to pick up the wrong part. If your adapter has the pill-shaped socket, an older travel kit or extension cable won’t work with it.
Replacing both the kit and the cable costs $58 in the US. That’s a real cost for anyone who already paid for the older versions.
For Apple’s latest Macs, see our coverage of the touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 and the iMac with M6.
Pricing and Availability
Here is what Apple charges in the US for the AC Connector 2 hardware and related accessories:
- World Travel Adapter Kit (AC Connector 2): $39, five plug heads, works with the 70W and 140W adapters
- Power Adapter Extension Cable (AC Connector 2): $19, 1.8m, works with the 70W and 140W adapters
- Power Adapter Extension Cable (AC Connector 1): $19, works with the 35W Dual Port and 96W adapters
- 70W Power Adapter: $59, compatible with AC Connector 2 accessories
- 140W Power Adapter: $99, compatible with AC Connector 2 accessories
In India, Apple lists the World Travel Adapter Kit at ₹4,900. The 70W adapter costs ₹5,800 and the 140W adapter costs ₹11,900.
The kit’s five plug heads cover these regions:
- Type A: North America, Japan
- Type C: Continental Europe, Brazil
- Type D: India
- Type G: United Kingdom, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore
- Type I: Australia, New Zealand
Source: Apple Support, Apple Store, Apple India
