Apple has released a new MagSafe 3 firmware update for its USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable, the charging cable used with the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. It is the first firmware refresh for the cable since February 2023, making it a notable if quiet change for MacBook owners.
The new version is 3.2.0, and it replaces the previous version, 3.1.12. Apple pushed out the MagSafe 3 firmware last week, but the company has not published any release notes to explain what changed.
What the MagSafe 3 Firmware Update Includes
It is unclear what is included in the latest MagSafe 3 firmware. Apple does not publish release notes for this accessory, which is common practice for its charging cables and power adapters. Many of these products receive silent updates that are never formally announced.
What is known is that the update targets the cable itself rather than the Mac. There is no user-facing changelog, and Apple has not shared details about performance improvements, bug fixes, or security patches. Owners will not find a summary of changes anywhere in the system.
How the Update Installs
The MagSafe 3 firmware update installs automatically over time when the cable is connected to a Mac and a power adapter. There is no way to manually apply it.
That means users do not need to take any action. Simply using the cable as normal, with a compatible Mac and charger, is enough for the update to be delivered. The process happens in the background without a notification or prompt, so most people will never notice it.
Why You Can’t Check the Version
Apple does not expose the MagSafe cable’s firmware version in macOS’s System Information tool. That makes it difficult for the average user to confirm whether their cable has received the MagSafe 3 firmware update.
Because the version is hidden from standard system tools, there is no straightforward way to verify the installed firmware through the macOS interface. Users who want to check may need to rely on unofficial methods or terminal commands, which Apple does not support or document.
Community Reaction to the Update
The update has drawn attention from Mac users, many of whom were surprised that a charging cable requires firmware at all. Some joked about the idea, with one asking, “Wait, cables need firmware updates?” Another remarked, “Firmware updates for a charging cable. My how times have changed.”
One user noted a separate wish: an option to deactivate the permanent green light when the MacBook is on the charger, saying it is only possible to change this with custom tools. Another replied that a small square of electrical tape works as a simple fix.
Checking Firmware via Terminal
One user shared a method for viewing the cable’s firmware version using the hpmdiagnose command in Terminal. The command output shows the cable’s PID and bcdDevice value, which corresponds to the firmware version.
In their example, the output showed version 3.1.12 still installed. That approach is unofficial and not documented by Apple, so results may vary depending on the Mac and cable. It is best treated as a curiosity rather than a reliable diagnostic tool.
What This Means for MacBook Owners
For most people, the MagSafe 3 firmware update requires no action. The cable will update itself when connected to a Mac and power adapter, and charging will continue to work as before.
The lack of release notes means there is no confirmed list of changes. Apple has not indicated whether the update addresses charging performance, compatibility, or anything else. Users who are curious about the version will need to wait or use unofficial tools to inspect it.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Product | USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable |
| New firmware | 3.2.0 |
| Previous firmware | 3.1.12 |
| Release timing | Last week |
| Installation | Automatic when connected to Mac and power adapter |
| Manual install | Not possible |
| Release notes | Not published by Apple |
| Visible in System Information | No |
Apple’s MagSafe 3 firmware update is a quiet, automatic change for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air owners. With no release notes and no way to check the version in macOS, the update mostly happens behind the scenes.
For users, the practical takeaway is simple: keep using the cable as normal, and the MagSafe 3 firmware update will arrive on its own. There is nothing to download, install, or configure manually.
