MacBook Pro 2025: Apple removes the power adapter from laptops – only in Europe
Apple has long been shipping iPhones without a power adapter, and now the new MacBook Pro is also missing one. However, the change only applies to Europe.
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With the new MacBook Pro, it's “BYOP”—bring your own power adapter. In Germany and other European countries, Apple no longer includes a power adapter with the MacBook Pro M5 presented on Wednesday. While the missing charger is relatively clearly marked in online orders from the manufacturer, some customers in retail may only notice at home with surprise that they cannot charge their new laptop at all.
Power Adapter Required
In the Apple Store, states laconically about the change: “This Mac comes without a power adapter. A power adapter is required to charge this device.” Those who need one must order it separately from Apple or choose one of the optional upgrades for the MacBook Pro M5—only then is there the option to have it included in the package.
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For the 70-watt power adapter, Apple charges 65 euros (starting from 53,80 €) previously included with the base version of the MacBook Pro. The 96-watt version, which allows for faster charging, costs 85 euros from the manufacturer. Other providers sell similarly powerful power adapters with USB-C Power Delivery for significantly less money. A charging cable (USB-C to MagSafe 3) is still included unchanged; the MacBook Pro can alternatively be powered directly via one of the three USB-C ports. Charging with power adapters weaker than 60 watts is also possible, but can be a test of patience or fail depending on power consumption.
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iPhones have long been without a bundled power adapter
Apple has not included a power adapter with iPhones for many years. This is to protect the environment, the company stated when introducing the iPhone 12. The company has not yet given a specific reason for the missing power adapter for the MacBook Pro. According to the French publication Numerama, Apple allegedly referred to upcoming European regulations. It should be noted that the charger was not removed from the scope of delivery internationally, but only in Europe—but not only in EU member states, but also in Switzerland and Great Britain.
The EU directive for a universal charger leaves manufacturers free to decide whether to include a power adapter. This will also apply to laptops from spring 2026. However, if a power adapter is included as standard, the provider must offer the option of purchasing the device without a power adapter. Apple may have shied away from this complexity and prefers to charge extra for the power adapter. Although the entry-level price of the MacBook Pro M5 is 100 euros lower than that of the previous model, this appears to be a mere exchange rate adjustment.
(lbe)
