Is the M5 MacBook Pro Charger Included in EU Purchases?

Apple recently released its new M5 MacBook Pro, sparking discussions about the absence of a power adapter in the European Union models. Instead of including a power adapter, the M5 MacBook Pro in most European countries, including the UK, now only ships with a USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable. In contrast, the US and Canada models still come with a 70W USB-C power adapter.

While some attributed this change to EU regulations aimed at standardizing charging practices and reducing electronic waste, the situation is more nuanced. The European Commission has long advocated for a common charging standard, initially proposing Micro-USB adoption. However, Apple mostly ignored these early attempts and continued using Lightning connectors. It wasn’t until five years ago that the European Commission took a more assertive approach, drafting legislation mandating the use of USB-C ports in all rechargeable electronics by the end of 2024.

Despite the regulatory push towards USB-C adoption, there is no explicit rule preventing Apple from including a charger with its products. The decision to remove the charger from the M5 MacBook Pro was solely Apple’s choice. EU regulations do require manufacturers to offer products without chargers to reduce electronic waste, but companies can still provide chargers as separate purchases.

While Apple often cites environmental responsibility as a reason for excluding chargers, the pricing of the M5 MacBook Pro remains the same as its predecessor in all regions. This has led to criticisms of Apple’s profit-driven decision to remove the charger without reducing the product’s price. The move has been seen as prioritizing profitability over packaging, with environmental considerations playing a secondary role.

Overall, the decision to exclude chargers from the M5 MacBook Pro in certain regions reflects a complex interplay of regulatory requirements, consumer expectations, and corporate strategies. Despite the debate surrounding this move, Apple has maintained its stance on environmental sustainability while adjusting its product offerings to meet evolving market demands.