The iPad Air and iPad Pro started in the spring. Now it is also affecting buyers of a newly introduced iPad mini 7. Yes, even with the cheapest iPad, Apple is now foregoing the addition of important accessories. Pretty cheeky if you ask me. Let’s talk about it in today’s edition of GIGA’s weekend column.
Apple saves something: All iPads now come without a power supply
We’ve already gotten used to it with the iPhone; Apple’s smartphone lacks a suitable power supply. The manufacturer no longer includes this. But now this bad behavior is also finding its way into the iPad. The iPad Air and the iPad Pro, which were introduced in May, have to do without these useful accessories. This now also applies to the newly introduced iPad mini 7. The older 10th generation iPad is also affected, and Apple is now simply omitting the power supply from the scope of delivery. In the box there is only a USB-C charging cable with a length of one meter – that’s it.
Remarkable: Apple is only being so stingy in Europe. If you live in the EU or Great Britain like us, you can no longer get a charger from Apple. However, if you buy your iPad in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil and other countries around the world, you will also receive a suitable power supply (source: MacRumors).
My thoughts about the weekend: The column aims to provide food for thought and reflect on the “burst of news” of the week towards the end. A small selection of the previous articles in the column:
What is this distinction? Apple itself has not yet commented on this fact. Accordingly, one can only speculate about this. This could probably already be a reaction to corresponding EU regulations against electronic waste (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment, or WEEE for short). These are due to come into force from 2026. But Apple doesn’t have to react yet, but the power supply is already missing.
So if you don’t have a suitable USB-C power supply at home, you have to buy one and therefore pay extra – quite an injustice. A little tip: For the regular iPad, the iPad mini and the iPad Air, a model with a maximum of 20 watts is sufficient (see on Amazon). With the iPad Pro it can be a little more, because it supports chargers with up to 30 watts (view on Amazon).
Anker Nano USB-C power supply with 30 watts
Price may be higher now. Price as of October 20, 2024 4:40 a.m
By the way, it doesn’t have to be the original from Apple. Compatible models, for example from Anker, are significantly cheaper, but not worse. Nevertheless, users are happy to pay between 10 and 20 euros more if they are forced to buy such a power supply.
Apple makes it too easy for itself
For me it is clear: the iPads are certainly not cheaper because of this. Although this would not be verifiable either way due to Apple’s non-transparent pricing and the corresponding currency differences. In my opinion, Apple cannot and should not excuse itself here with regard to possible EU regulations. My suggestion is that you could, for example, include a voucher in the packaging. If you absolutely need the power supply, you can pick it up free of charge from the Apple Store or have it sent to you for a small shipping fee. This means there is no electronic waste, but at the same time customers don’t feel like they’re being ripped off.
It’s just that the current situation has a bad aftertaste for me. Apple makes it too easy for itself and doesn’t even look for a customer-friendly solution. Sorry, but not like that, ladies and gentlemen.
Costs at least 1,200 euros and still doesn’t have a power supply in the box:
iPad Pro M4 – Apple’s introduction
