Why Apple stopped including adapters
When Apple first announced it would sell iPhones without adapters, many assumed it was a profit-driven move. However, Apple stated that the change was part of its environmental initiative:
- Smaller packaging reduces shipping weight and emissions
- Fewer materials mean less e-waste
- Universal compatibility promotes longer product life cycles
Samsung soon followed, citing the same sustainability goals. Both brands have now extended this initiative to their tablets and iPads, and with the MacBook Pro M5, Macbook Neo and Macbook Air M5, Apple has applied it to laptops as well (in UK and EU).
The future of charging: Adapters sold separately
Apple’s decision to exclude both the adapter and cable from the new MacBooks has raised questions:
- How will users charge their laptops?
- Will other brands follow this direction?
- Which adapters still work safely with Apple’s devices?
The answer: you’ll now need to choose your own cable and adapter, but that also means you can select a setup that suits your entire tech ecosystem.
Understanding adapter wattage for Apple devices
Not all adapters are equal. The wattage determines how efficiently your device charges. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right adapter for your Apple setup:
|
Device
|
Minimum Wattage
|
Recommended Wattage
|
|
IPhone
|
5W
|
15W
|
|
IPad
|
10–18W
|
20–30W
|
|
Apple Watch/AirPods
|
2W
|
5W
|
|
Macbook Neo
|
20W
|
30-40W
|
|
MacBook Air
|
30W
|
40-50W
|
|
MacBook Pro 13"
|
45W
|
61W
|
|
MacBook Pro 14"
|
67W
|
96W
|
|
MacBook Pro 16"
|
96W
|
140W
|
Tip: If you purchase a 140W adapter, it can safely charge all your Apple devices, as long as your cable supports the required wattage.
Zens Charging Cables: One cable for all your devices
If you’re buying a new cable and adapter for your MacBook, why not choose a solution that powers all your devices at once? Zens’ USB-C Charging Cable series is designed for fast, multi-device charging, perfect for Apple users who value simplicity and performance.
- Charges your iPhone and iPad or MacBook simultaneously
- Works best with a 100W adapter for full-speed charging
-
Compatible with all USB-C devices
- Charges your iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch at the same time
- Delivers strong, stable performance with a 100W adapter
-
Prevents future compatibility issues when upgrading devices
From chaos to connection
The new MacBook series in 2026 mark a turning point in the evolution of charging. Adapters are no longer just accessories; they’re essential choices that determine how efficiently your devices perform.
Adapters are the translators of modern tech, bridging generations, voltages, and devices. And with the right adapter and cable combination, you can stay fully powered, sustainably and seamlessly.
