Apple’s 2025 charger policy, breaking down which products still include power adapters in the box and which leave you to buy one separately.
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Apple has always had a knack for stirring conversation with its packaging choices. First, it was the removal of headphones from iPhone boxes, then the charger, and now even cables are up for debate, depending on the product. Some argue these decisions are driven by environmental responsibility, while others see them as a clever way to push accessory sales. The truth? It’s a mix of both. And because Apple’s product lineup is so vast, buyers are often left scratching their heads: Will this new Apple gadget actually come with a charger in the box or not?
That’s exactly what we’re breaking down here. From MacBooks that still deliver their iconic power bricks to AirPods that leave you rummaging for an adapter, this is the complete rundown of Apple’s charger policy in 2025. Whether you’re planning to splurge on the futuristic Vision Pro, stick with an iPad, or grab a pair of AirPods, knowing what to expect in the box can save you both time and money. Let’s dive in, product by product.MacBook: Comes with a charger
When it comes to Apple’s laptops, one thing hasn’t changed: Every MacBook still comes bundled with a charger. This has been true since the first MacBook launched in 2006, and it continues today across the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines. The reason is quite simple: MacBooks pack big batteries that require serious power delivery. Currently, Apple ships either a 30W, 35W, 67W, 96W, or 140W USB-C power adapter, depending on the model and configuration. And yes, they’re paired with Apple’s braided USB-C to MagSafe 3 cables on most modern MacBooks.
Unlike the iPhone, where Apple insists most buyers already have a charging brick, MacBooks need a dedicated adapter to run at their best. Sure, you can technically charge your MacBook with a phone charger, but the experience is painfully slow. That’s why experts agree Apple could never get away with removing the adapter here, especially since professionals depend on fast, reliable charging to power through creative and heavy workloads. Speaking of speed, even the MacBook Air, which ships with a smaller adapter, supports fast charging when paired with Apple’s beefier 96W or 140W bricks.
Some users still scratch their heads over Apple’s choice to stick with MagSafe instead of a universal USB-C charger. Will that ever change? Unlikely, considering that MagSafe is simply too lucrative. But at the end of the day, the fact that a charger is included at all still feels like a win in 2025.iPad: Comes with a charger
The iPad has always sat neatly between the iPhone and the MacBook, offering excellent value, and one perk that’s stuck around (at least in most regions) is the inclusion of a charger. When the first iPad was launched in 2010, Apple bundled a modest 10W power adapter. As the lineup grew into Air, mini, and Pro variants, those adapters scaled up too, with most modern iPads shipping with a 20W USB-C brick. Apple’s reasoning is pretty clear: iPads are popular with families, students, and casual buyers, which includes a good mix of audiences less likely to have a spare high-wattage charger lying around.
