Apple’s New macbook Pro Ships Without Charger in UK & EU – A Business Decision, Not an EU Mandate
Following the release of the M5 MacBook Pro, customers in the United Kingdom and European Union will find the laptop ships without a power adapter included in the box. This change has sparked confusion online, with some believing it’s a direct result of new EU regulations. Though,this is inaccurate.
Apple quietly updated its online store to reflect the change, meaning buyers of the 14-inch MacBook Pro in these regions will now need to purchase a compatible USB-C power adapter separately. The laptop does still include a MagSafe 3 charging cable. This policy does not extend to other markets, like the united States, where a 70W USB-C Power Adapter remains included with purchase.
The speculation arose from the EU’s 2022 Common charger Directive, which aims to standardize charging ports to USB-C across a range of devices – including smartphones, tablets, and laptops – and increase consumer flexibility. While the directive does require manufacturers to offer a version of each product without a charger to reduce electronic waste,it explicitly does not prohibit including a charger. Companies are free to bundle a charger, or offer it as a no-cost option alongside the charger-less version.
Apple’s decision to completely remove the charger goes further than the EU law requires. They could have offered a charger inclusion option at checkout without violating the directive. The removal is also unnecessary in the UK, which is not subject to EU regulations.
This move appears to be a business decision by Apple,streamlining logistics and packaging by avoiding the need for different product variations (SKUs) within Europe. Though, it shifts the cost of a necessary accessory onto consumers who don’t already own a compatible USB-C power adapter.
Apple has previously justified removing chargers from packaging – beginning with iPhones in 2020 – as part of a broader environmental initiative.The company claims smaller packaging and fewer accessories reduce carbon emissions and resource consumption throughout its supply chain.
The M5 MacBook Pro remains compatible with existing 67W, 96W, and 140W USB-C power adapters. Apple’s online store now clearly states “power adapter sold separately” for customers in the affected regions.
interestingly, the price of the new 14-inch MacBook Pro has been adjusted downwards in some European countries – approximately €100 less than the previous model. However, the starting price remains unchanged in the UK.
