Here is a topic that doesn’t attract much attention. There is a subtle design change in the 140W power adapter that comes with Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro. As a result, some accessories are no longer compatible. However, not everyone has the new design.

New duckhead design is a significant change

Some users who purchased Apple’s new M5 Pro and M5 Max 16-inch MacBook Pro early are reporting that the duckhead design of the power adapter has changed.

Others still have the original design — which adds to the mystery behind this change.

Apple power adapters that come with a removable AC wall adapter or duckhead traditionally use a C7 connection that resembles a glasses shape.

However, the 140W power adapter that comes with Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro has a different connection. It has a more symmetrical shape.

Customers complain about accessory incompatibility

It seems that the new shape disrupts compatibility with two accessories.

Firstly, Apple’s $19 Power Adapter Extension Cable does not work. This is because all other Apple power adapters with modular plugs have a duckhead shape.

Apple used to include these in the box, but removed them from the first Touch Bar MacBook Pro a decade ago.

Power adapter comparison via u/Electronic-Half-2823

Customers also note that the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit does not work with this new shape. Apple no longer sells the World Travel Adapter Kit on its website, but a support document related to the product is available.

It is unclear whether the 140W USB-C Power Adapter that Apple sells for $99 has transitioned to this new model. Apple still lists compatibility with the Power Adapter Extension Cable.

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