Apple's New 16-Inch MacBook Pro Charger Has a Compatibility Issue
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| Source: Mastodon | Original article
Apple’s latest 140‑watt USB‑C power adapter, launched alongside the refreshed 16‑inch MacBook Pro, is already drawing complaints over a compatibility flaw that prevents it from charging certain models reliably. Early‑stage testing by the YouTube channel ChargerLAB, which dissected the GaN‑based charger and ran a “compatibility‑100” suite on a 2021 16‑inch MacBook Pro running macOS 13.5, showed the unit refusing to deliver power when paired with the laptop’s original 96‑watt cable or when used on earlier 16‑inch Pro revisions. Users on forums and on e‑bay listings have reported the same issue, noting that the charger either charges at a reduced rate or not at all, despite being a genuine Apple product.
The problem matters because the 140 W adapter is marketed as a universal solution for the entire 16‑inch Pro line, promising faster charging for the high‑performance M2‑Max chips. If the charger cannot reliably power older revisions, professionals who depend on rapid turnaround times may be forced to keep multiple adapters or revert to third‑party chargers, undermining Apple’s “one‑adapter‑fits‑all” narrative. The glitch also raises questions about Apple’s rollout of USB‑PD 3.1, a standard that should ensure backward compatibility across devices and cables.
Apple has not yet issued an official statement, but the company typically addresses hardware quirks through firmware updates or revised specifications. Watch for a macOS or charger firmware patch in the coming weeks, and for any service‑program announcements that might offer replacements. The issue could also influence buyer sentiment ahead of the expected 2026 MacBook Pro refresh, where Apple is likely to double down on high‑power charging as a differentiator.
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