Recent testing of Apple’s newest MacBook Pro models reveals that the long‑standing 96 W (14‑inch) and 140 W (16‑inch) power adaptors may not supply enough energy under sustained heavy load, according to a review by NotebookCheck.
Battery Pulls Power When Adapter Isn’t Enough
During stress testing, the 16‑inch MacBook Pro topped out above the rated adapter power, meaning the system relied on its battery to make up the difference while still showing a full charge indicator — potentially misleading users.
Smaller Model Hit Hardest
Even with more powerful supplies, the smaller MacBook Pro 14 with M5 Max drained battery during demanding workloads, indicating Apple’s internal power limits and suggesting the adapters aren’t calibrated to real‑world peak demands.
While insufficient adapters are not unique to Apple, critics argue that the company’s messaging makes it seem like the chargers fully cover all usage scenarios, obscuring the reality that intense workloads may cause battery drain.