Apple has officially rolled out refreshed versions of several Mac accessories, including its 70W and 140W power adapters, the Power Adapter Extension Cable, and its World Travel Adapter Kit. Each product now features a redesigned AC plug, dubbed “AC Connector 2,” replacing the older notched-style AC Connector 1. The updates align with new safety regulations in various global markets. The updated accessories are now available for purchase in the U.S. and many other countries. U.S. pricing for the World Travel Adapter Kit is set at $39.
What Changed and Why It Matters
The core alteration lies in the physical design of the AC connector used in Apple’s power bricks and plug attachments. AC Connector 2 comes with a pill-shaped male plug that departs from the earlier notched design. According to Apple support documentation, this change was made to satisfy updated regulatory standards—which likely involve safety and electrical compliance.
Until now, Apple’s older accessories with AC Connector 1 have been facing compatibility issues. Specifically, accessory users found that extension cables and travel adapter inserts designed for Connector 1 could not securely connect to the power adapters outfitted with the new Connector 2. These mismatches created mounting user frustration as customers realized their existing accessories were no longer usable with new chargers and plug sets. With these updates, all relevant accessories—70W and 140W adapters, extension cable, and the travel plug set—are now unified in using Connector 2. This restores compatibility across Apple’s power accessory lineup.
What’s New: Travel Kit & Accessories
Among the products now updated is the World Travel Adapter Kit, which had previously been removed from Apple’s online storefront earlier in 2025. The re-launched kit includes seven international AC plugs—all using AC Connector 2—allowing users to switch duckheads to match outlet types in regions such as North America, Japan, China, continental Europe, Korea, Australia, the U.K., Hong Kong, and Brazil. This version replaces the older style plug inserts and restores full functionality for users who had been unable to use the travel plugs with the newer power adapters.
Alongside it, the 70W and 140W USB-C power adapters now ship with the new Connector 2, as does the extension cable that connects to them. This ensures the entire ecosystem—from charger body to detachable power cord—is working with the updated standard. The new versions are already in stock for direct order via Apple’s online store in the U.S. and elsewhere.
In simple terms: if you recently upgraded to one of Apple’s newer chargers or travel accessories and found things don’t snap together like they used to, these redesigned products are the fix. No more mismatched plugs, stranded accessories, or lost dollars.
Bottom Line: Apple’s AC Connector 2 update patches a growing issue in its power accessory lineup by aligning more of its previous accessories—including extension cables and travel kits—with its updated charger designs. The return of the World Travel Adapter Kit means a broader base of Apple users can now travel abroad without scrambling for compatible wall plugs.
From a product strategy lens, this move highlights Apple’s responsiveness to regulations—but also the danger of silent changes in hardware compatibility. For users, the cost of mismatch isn’t just inconvenience—it’s forced repurchasing. Going forward, consumers should watch the connector style (pill-shaped vs notched) when buying Apple power accessories, especially if they rely on earlier components. Regulatory compliance may force more behind-the-scenes changes, and this update sets a new standard.
