Why Apple doesn't include a power adapter with the M5 MacBook Pro

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With the new M5 MacBook Pro, Apple has made a controversial decision. In the European Union and the United Kingdom, the device ships without a power adapter. The impression quickly arose online that the EU had forced Apple to do this. In fact, the reason for the omission lies not with legislation, but with Apple itself. The decision is neither required by law nor part of a new EU regulation, but rather a deliberate step by the company.

Apple has repeatedly made changes to its product packaging in recent years. The company usually presents such steps as a contribution to environmental protection and resource conservation. However, the current case surrounding the M5 MacBook Pro shows that economic and logistical considerations also play a role. The discussion surrounding the missing charger is an example of how quickly assumptions about regulations can develop—and how strongly Apple's decisions can influence market perceptions.

Apple's change to the M5 MacBook Pro

With the launch of the M5 MacBook Pro, Apple has updated its online store. In the EU and the UK, the new 14-inch model ships without a power adapter. A MagSafe 3 cable is still included, but a USB-C power adapter must be purchased separately. In other regions, such as the US, Apple continues to ship the device with a 70-watt USB-C power adapter.

This change has caused confusion among many buyers. Social media and tech forums have suggested that a new EU rule requires the abandonment of power adapters. However, this assumption is incorrect.

What the EU actually prescribes

The European Union adopted a directive on standardized chargers in 2022. It stipulates that electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops must use a USB-C port for wired charging. The aim of this regulation is to improve compatibility between devices and reduce electronic waste.

The law also requires consumers to have the option to purchase a device without a charger. However, it does not require manufacturers to forgo the inclusion of a power adapter. Companies may continue to include chargers, but must also offer a version sold without one.

Apple could easily have offered a model with and without a power adapter. The company's decision to omit the power adapter entirely is its own initiative and goes beyond EU requirements.

It's also interesting to note that Great Britain is no longer part of the European Union. Nevertheless, the M5 MacBook Pro is also sold there without a charger—a clear indication that Apple is taking this step voluntarily.

Why Apple is taking this path

Apple traditionally justifies such decisions with environmental goals. Power adapters were removed from iPhones in 2020. The company argues that smaller packaging would reduce CO₂ emissions during transport and lower material consumption. This argument also applies to the new MacBook Pro.

In addition to ecological reasons, however, economic efficiency also plays a role. Eliminating power adapters reduces production and transportation costs, simplifies logistics, and ensures that fewer different product variants need to be produced. At the same time, it leads to more customers purchasing chargers separately – often directly from Apple.

For the company, this creates a combination of cost advantages and additional accessory sales. While environmental protection remains part of the argument, the economic benefits are obvious.

How this affects buyers

Anyone purchasing the new M5 MacBook Pro in the EU or UK will receive only the device and a MagSafe 3 cable. A separate USB-C power adapter is required for charging. The MacBook supports various charging power levels—67 watts, 96 watts, or 140 watts, depending on the model—and can be charged via both MagSafe and USB-C.

Apple continues to sell the corresponding power adapters separately in its online store. The product pages now clearly state that the power adapters are no longer included in certain regions.

In some European countries, Apple has partially offset the removal of the power adapter by adjusting the price. The new 14-inch model is around €100 cheaper than its predecessor there. In the United Kingdom, however, the price remains the same, making the move all the more incomprehensible for many customers.

Apple's environmental strategy and the criticism of it

Apple has been citing its environmental strategy for years to justify changes to packaging and accessories. Smaller packaging saves material and space, allowing more devices to be shipped per shipment. According to Apple, this reduces CO₂ emissions throughout the supply chain.

Critics, however, argue that the environmental impact is partially offset when customers have to purchase power supplies separately. These products are also packaged and shipped individually, which diminishes the alleged savings. Furthermore, the price advantage for customers is diminished when accessories have to be paid for separately.

Apple: A voluntary step with double benefits

The omission of the charger from the M5 MacBook Pro is not a result of an EU regulation, but a decision by Apple. While the company complies with the requirements of the Standardized Charger Directive, it voluntarily goes beyond them. The official reason is environmental concerns, but in reality, logistical and economic interests also play a significant role. For buyers, this means that the new MacBook Pro will be sold in Europe and the United Kingdom without a power adapter, even though the EU does not require this. This change is an example of how Apple is independently adapting its product strategy—and how quickly an internal company decision becomes a supposed EU issue. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apple)