Apple’s latest M5 MacBook Pro release in Europe has sparked debate over its charger policy, but the reality is more nuanced than initial outrage suggests. Contrary to claims that EU regulations forced Apple to remove chargers entirely, the company is actually complying with rules requiring them to offer a charger-free option—not eliminating chargers altogether. Customers can still add a €65 adapter during checkout, and crucially, Apple has reduced the base price of the MacBook Pro in most European markets. For example, in Ireland, the price dropped from €1,949 to €1,849, and similar €100 reductions occurred in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Even after purchasing the optional charger, buyers in these countries save €35 compared to the previous model’s bundled price.
The pricing strategy varies by region but generally benefits consumers in EU countries. In Norway, the MacBook Pro starts 2,000 krone lower, with an 849 krone charger making the total cost still favorable. Hungary saw a 50,000 forint reduction, offset by a 30,000 forint charger. While there are exceptions—such as Switzerland, where the charger costs slightly more than the price cut, and the UK, which saw no price adjustment—the overall trend shows that most customers end up paying less for an equivalent configuration. This contrasts with regions like the U.S., Canada, and Japan, where chargers remain included and prices are unchanged from previous models.
Critics like William Gallagher of AppleInsider and Joe Rossignol of MacRumors have mischaracterized the situation by suggesting Apple had no choice but to exclude chargers or failed to adjust prices. In reality, Apple is adhering to EU mandates by providing flexibility, and the data confirms that price reductions in Europe make the new models more affordable, even with the optional adapter. This move aligns with broader environmental goals to reduce e-waste while offering consumers tangible savings, debunking the narrative that the policy is purely anti-consumer.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://pxlnv.com/linklog/macbook-pro-charger-brouhaha/.