Apple has quietly removed the term “carbon neutral” from its Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and M4 Mac mini product pages. The shift follows increasing scrutiny from environmental groups and regulators who criticized the company’s reliance on carbon offsets.
In 2023, Apple made headlines by marketing the Apple Watch Series 9 as its first carbon-neutral product. The M4 Mac mini soon followed with similar claims. Today, however, those statements no longer appear in Apple’s online listings or on packaging for its latest devices .
Why the Change Happened
The move comes after global watchdogs accused Apple of “climate-washing.” European groups labeled the claims misleading, while courts in Germany ruled that Apple’s marketing violated competition laws. Critics argued that offsetting emissions through projects like eucalyptus plantations in Paraguay failed to prove measurable reductions in carbon output.
Further pressure came from the European Directive 2024/825, which takes effect in 2026. The law bans companies from using offsets to label products as carbon neutral. Apple’s decision to update its marketing appears to anticipate these stricter rules .
Apple’s Ongoing Environmental Push
Although the company no longer uses the phrase “carbon neutral” on product pages, it continues to emphasize its sustainability efforts. Reports highlight increased use of recycled materials, renewable electricity in manufacturing, and reduced shipping emissions. For example, the Apple Watch Series 11 records an emission rate of 8.1kg CO2e, down slightly from the Series 10 .
Apple still aims to achieve full carbon neutrality across its business operations by 2030. The company says it has already cut emissions by 60% since announcing the initiative in 2020.
What It Means for Consumers
For eco-conscious buyers, the removal of the carbon-neutral label may raise questions about the credibility of environmental claims across the tech industry. While Apple remains committed to greener practices, the move underscores the challenges of balancing marketing with scientific accountability.
As regulations tighten, Apple and other tech giants will need to rely more on direct emission cuts rather than controversial offset programs.
