Mac charger: Apple changes plug head in some countries – causing compatibility problems | News

The MacBook Pro 16″ with M5 Pro/Max is a worthy offshoot of the series, although the innovations are limited. When it comes to the scope of delivery, however, Apple is rather stingy: In addition to the laptop itself, in Europe only a USB-C to MagSafe cable is included. In other regions of the world there is at least a charger in the package, which supplies the notebook with up to 140 watts of power. However, the accessories cause irritation in some countries: The Power plug head, colloquially known as “duckhead”, has a modified shape. The reasons for this are unclear, but this innovation is accompanied by problems with compatibility.

New “Duckhead” in Australia and China…
It is certainly commendable that Apple offers the option of removing the duckhead: In this way, a different attachment can be attached to be prepared for other types of sockets. This means users can do without corresponding adapters or even separate chargers. However, reports of a different design of the Duckhead in China and Australia are now appearing in relevant Internet forums. The classic connection is slightly larger and is shaped like a pair of glasses. The new port is pill-shaped and narrower:

… causes problems with the compatibility of accessories
It is not clear why Apple made this change and why it only applies in selected countries. Unsurprisingly, some accessories are no longer compatible: a while ago, Apple had a travel adapter set in its range whose attachments no longer fit on the redesigned charger. Apple’s extension cable can also no longer be connected to the chargers. Incidentally, Cupertino seemed to notice this fact quite late: until recently, the 140-watt “power adapter” was listed in the Australian Apple Online Store as a compatible accessory with the extension cable.