Here’s something that doesn’t get much attention. The 140W power adapter included with Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro has a subtle design change. As a result, some accessories are no longer compatible. However, not everyone has a new design.
New duck head design is the key change
Some early purchasers of Apple’s new M5 Pro and M5 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro are reporting a change to the duck head design on their power adapters.
A teardown conducted by ChargerLab in March showed the change, and multiple posts from online customers reported the issue.
These have original designs, further deepening the mystery behind the changes.
Apple power adapters with removable AC wall adapters (duckheads) have traditionally used a C7 connection that resembles the shape of glasses.
However, the 140W power adapter that comes with Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro connects differently. It has a more symmetrical shape.
A customer has reported an accessory incompatibility
The new shape appears to make the two accessories incompatible.
First, Apple’s $19 power adapter extension cable doesn’t work. It uses the same duck head shape as all other Apple power adapters with modular plugs.
Apple included these in the box before removing them from the first Touch Bar MacBook Pro a decade ago.
Customers also note that the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit will not work with this new shape. Apple does not currently sell the World Travel Adapter Kit on its website, but it does have support documentation that explains the product in detail.
It’s unclear whether the 140W USB-C power adapter that Apple sells for $99 has been converted to this new model yet. Apple still lists compatibility with power adapter extension cables.
