Apple · MacBook Air brick · Current model
Apple 70W USB-C: the MacBook Air adapter.
70W is what Apple puts in the box with the 15-inch MacBook Air, and it is the wattage the whole Air line is tuned around — 20V at 3.5A on the top rail.
Rails and physical spec
| Fixed PD rail | Current | Delivered |
|---|---|---|
| 5V | 3A | 15W |
| 9V | 3A | 27W |
| 15V | 3A | 45W |
| 20V | 3.5A | 70W |
Single USB-C port, detachable AC plug, no cable in the box. Under 100W and under 5A, so any competent USB-C to USB-C cable carries the full output — cable choice only becomes a spec question at 140W. Detail on when cable ratings bite: e-marker cables explained.
The device map
The MacBook Air is the target. Both the 13″ and 15″ M-series Air fast-charge from 70W, and the 15″ ships with it. A 14″ MacBook Pro will run and charge from 70W perfectly well for writing, browsing and mail — it simply will not fast-charge, and under a heavy export it can hold steady rather than gain.
Everything smaller is over-served and unharmed: an iPhone draws its 20–27W, an iPad its 30W, an Apple Watch puck its 5W. The one thing to note is that 70W into a single port has no way to become 35W into two — for that you need the 35W Dual USB-C adapter or a third-party multi-port GaN.
70W or 67W? A 3W argument
Apple sells both. The gap is 0.15A on the 20V rail — under 5%, and invisible in charge times. Both clear the fast-charge threshold for the Air; neither clears it for a 14″ MacBook Pro with a Pro or Max chip. Buy on price and availability, not on the number. If the machine in question is a Pro, the honest comparison is Apple 70W vs 96W, and the answer is usually 96W.
| Machine | Normal charge | Fast charge needs |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 13″ / 15″ | 30W+ | 67W or 70W |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (base chip) | 67W | 96W |
| MacBook Pro 14″ (Pro / Max) | 96W | 96W or 140W |
| MacBook Pro 16″ | 96W | 140W |
70W-class alternatives
- 70W
Spigen ArcStation Pro 70W
70W across two USB-C ports — matches Apple's wattage and adds a second device.
- Output
- 70W total
- Ports
- 2× USB-C
- Tech
- GaN
- 65W
UGREEN Nexode 65W
5W below Apple with three ports and a smaller body. The 5W is not detectable on an Air.
- Output
- 65W total
- Ports
- 2× USB-C, 1× USB-A
- Tech
- GaN
- 100W
Anker Prime 100W 3-Port
Buys headroom instead of parity: enough for a 14″ MacBook Pro plus phone plus tablet.
- Output
- 100W total
- Ports
- 2× USB-C, 1× USB-A
- Tech
- GaN
- 65W
Insignia 65W USB-C
Retail-shelf 65W with proper certification — the pick when you need a laptop charger today, locally.
- Output
- 65W USB-C PD
- Ports
- 1× USB-C
- Class
- Budget certified
Verdict
The right Apple brick for a MacBook Air and a reasonable spare for a 14″ Pro. As a fresh purchase it is beaten by any 65–100W GaN multi-port charger on every axis except brand parity. See 70W adapters, and if the machine is a Pro, start at 96W instead.
Related
FAQ
Can I use the Apple 70W adapter on a MacBook Pro?
Yes, safely. A 14-inch MacBook Pro charges from it at normal speed and runs fine for light work. It will not fast-charge, and during sustained heavy load the battery may hold level instead of filling.
Is the 70W adapter overkill for an iPhone?
No — it is simply unused headroom. The iPhone negotiates its own profile and draws 20 to 27W from a 70W adapter, exactly as it would from a 30W one. Higher wattage is never a risk on USB-C PD.
What is the difference between Apple's 67W and 70W adapters?
0.15A on the 20V rail, or about 3W. Both fast-charge a MacBook Air and neither fast-charges a MacBook Pro 14-inch with a Pro or Max chip. Choose whichever costs less.