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How the Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter Charges the MacBook Pro 13-Inch (Late 2016) Using USB Power Delivery

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Both the non Touch Bar version of the 13" MacBook Pro (Late 2016) and Touch Bar version of the Apple 13" MacBook Pro (Late 2016) come with the Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter which uses USB Power Delivery for charging.

To see how the Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter charges these Mac's, we use software from Granite River Labs to capture the USB Power Delivery Protocol transactions.

The Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter first declares it supports 12 watts (5 volts @ 2.4 amps) which is then accepted by the 13" MacBook Pro (Late 2016).

The Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter then declares it supports not only 12 watts (5 volts @ 2.4 amps) but also 27 watts (9 volts @ 3 amps) and 60 watts (20 volts @ 3 amps).  The 13" MacBook Pro (Late 2016) then accepts being charged at 60 watts (20 volts @ 3 amps). 

Using an oscilloscope, we can see that the 13" MacBook Pro (Late 2016) draws 20 volts @ .3 amps when well charged as seen on the oscilloscope screenshot below.    

We can also see from software from Granite River Labs to confirm the 12 watts (5 volts @ 2.4 amps), 27 watts (9 volts @ 3 amps), and 60 watts (20 volts @ 3 amps) power delivery capabilities of the Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter.

We can also see that the 13" MacBook Pro (Late 2016) can provide 7.5 watts (5 volts @ 1.5 amps) and also consume either 15 watts (5 volts @ 3 amps) fixed, or anywhere between 4.75-21 volts @ 3 amps.  

As to be expected, the Apple 61W USB-C Power Adapter works well with the 13" MacBook Pro (Late 2016) through USB Power Delivery Technology.  USB Power Delivery also now allows non-Apple charging sources to power the new 13" MacBook Pro (Late 2016).

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