The AC Connector 2 is the new wall-side socket on Apple’s latest 70W and 140W Mac chargers, and it doesn’t accept the travel plugs or extension cables you already own. Apple launched four replacement accessories on October 28, so you only need to buy something if your charger and your plug no longer match.
Here are the numbers that matter before you spend a cent.
- Launch date: October 28, 2026, available to order now
- New 70W and 140W adapters: $59 and $99
- AC Connector 2 extension cable: $19
- World Travel Adapter Kit (five plugs): $39
- Old extension cables and plugs don’t fit the new connector, and the reverse is true too
That last point is the one that catches people out, so the rest of this guide focuses on it.
What the AC Connector 2 changes on Apple’s Mac chargers
Apple’s Mac power bricks have two ends. One plugs into your laptop. The other takes either a detachable wall plug, often called a duckhead, or a short extension cable.
That second end is the AC connector. According to 9to5Mac, the new 70W and 140W adapters replace the previous models, and the main change appears to be compatibility with AC Connector 2 accessories. The updated versions are also now included with select MacBook Pro models, though the report doesn’t say which ones.
Apple’s own support page says extension cables and duckheads “aren’t cross-compatible between AC connector types,” as quoted by AndroidPure. That report also says Apple credits newer regulations for the change but doesn’t name them, so treat the reason as unconfirmed.
The practical result is simple. An old plug will not slot into a new brick, and a new plug will not slot into an older brick such as the 35W dual-port or 96W models.
How to tell which AC connector your charger uses
Don’t go by wattage alone. The connector type can vary by manufacturing date, so an older 70W or 140W charger may still use the original connector, according to the same AndroidPure report.
Instead, look at the socket where the plug or cable attaches. Apple’s power adapter and duckhead guide shows the two shapes side by side, and it takes about ten seconds to compare.
Use this quick check before you order anything.
- Pull the plug or extension cable off your charger and look at the empty socket.
- Match the socket shape to the pictures on Apple’s support page.
- Check the accessory’s product listing says it supports the same connector type.
Skipping this check is the easiest way to buy a $39 kit that doesn’t fit.
What Apple’s new AC Connector 2 accessories cost
Apple is selling four accessories through the Apple Store and Amazon, per 9to5Mac and 9to5Toys. All four are listed as available now.
| Accessory | Price | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 70W Power Adapter | $59 | Replaces the previous 70W brick and works with AC Connector 2 accessories |
| 140W Power Adapter | $99 | Replaces the previous 140W brick and works with AC Connector 2 accessories |
| Power Adapter Extension Cable | $19 | Adds reach between the wall and the brick |
| World Travel Adapter Kit | $39 | Brings back five swappable plugs for travel |
Apple had discontinued the old travel kit after it became incompatible with newer adapters, 9to5Mac notes. The new kit covers Types A, C, D, G and I, which spans North America, Japan, continental Europe, India, the UK, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
If you need both the kit and the cable, the total is $58 for the pair.
Do you need to replace your plugs or cable?
Most people don’t, at least not today. If your charger and your plug already fit together, nothing about this launch changes that.
Trouble starts when you mix generations. Maybe you buy a new MacBook Pro whose box charger uses the new connector, then try your old travel plug. Our breakdown of the M6 MacBook Pro price and ship date and the touchscreen MacBook Pro covers what you’re paying for the laptop itself, so factor in a possible $39 plug kit if you travel.
Here is how the common situations play out.
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Old charger and old plug, both working | Keep using them, no purchase needed |
| New charger, old travel plug or cable | Buy the AC Connector 2 kit or cable |
| Old charger, want to buy a new plug | Check your socket shape first, then match it |
| Planning a trip abroad with a new charger | The $39 World Travel Adapter Kit covers five plug types |
Each row comes down to one rule: the plug has to match the brick’s connector, not its wattage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AC Connector 2?
It’s the newer wall-side socket on Apple’s updated 70W and 140W Mac power adapters. It takes different plugs and extension cables than the original connector.
Can I use my old Apple travel plug with a new charger?
Not if the charger uses AC Connector 2. Apple says extension cables and duckheads aren’t cross-compatible between connector types.
How much do the new Apple charging accessories cost?
The 70W adapter is $59, the 140W adapter is $99, the extension cable is $19, and the World Travel Adapter Kit is $39.
Does every 70W or 140W Apple charger use AC Connector 2?
No. Connector type depends on when the charger was made, so check the socket shape rather than the wattage.
The bottom line
This is a small change with an annoying side effect, and Apple should have made it harder to get wrong. If you already own working gear, ignore the launch and keep your money. If you’re buying a new Mac or a new brick, spend a minute checking the socket before you pack a plug that won’t fit, because the fix costs $19 to $58.
Leave a Reply