Apple Quietly Changes 140W MacBook Pro Charger Plug Design, Sparking Compatibility Concerns
Apple has subtly changed the detachable plug on the 140W USB-C power adapter included with the recently updated 16-inch MacBook Pro (with M3 Pro/Max chips). This detail wasn't announced at the product launch and has sparked debate among some users regarding compatibility and the accessory ecosystem.
Sharp-eyed users in countries including Australia and China have noticed that the wall plug portion of the new adapter has changed to an oval shape resembling a "pill," instead of the modified C7 design Apple has used for many years based on the IEC 60320 standard. ChargerLab, a charging accessory review organization, noticed this change when disassembling the 140W power supply last month, but it didn't spark much discussion at the time.
Besides the change in plug shape, the disassembly reveals that the size and electrical specifications of the power adapter remain largely unchanged. Apple's chargers have long adopted a modular design, allowing users to simply replace the "duckbill" plug to use it in different countries and regions, without having to repurchase the entire charger. This is particularly important for users who travel internationally frequently.
It is the change in plug shape that breaks the original compatibility ecosystem. Some users have found that Apple's Power Adapter Extension Cable is no longer compatible with the new adapter, even though Apple's website still lists the accessory as compatible. In addition, Apple's earlier, now discontinued, World Travel Adapter Kit is also not compatible with this new design.
Users are even more confused by the fact that this adjustment is not being implemented uniformly worldwide. Some users report that the 16-inch MacBook Pro they recently purchased still comes with the old 140W power adapter and does not use the new "pill-shaped" plug. It is currently unclear whether this change will also affect Apple's separately sold, $99 140W USB-C power adapter, and Apple has not made a clear statement on this matter.
Apple's "different route" in hardware and accessory design is nothing new: from its long-standing insistence on using the Lightning interface to its recent forced transition to USB-C, related controversies have accompanied its product evolution. Last year, Apple also removed the included charger from the retail packaging of MacBook Pros in the EU and UK markets, retaining only the data cable, again sparking criticism of its accessory policies.
Just as this "quiet change" was exposed, Apple held an event at its headquarters, Apple Park, to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, distributing limited-edition souvenirs to employees and creating a festive atmosphere through internal performances. While focusing on brand history and milestones, adjustments like the MacBook Pro charger plug, which seem minor but affect long-term user experience, have once again put the company under public scrutiny.