Apple may stop shipping power adapters with iPhone SE, other current devices

Apple is expected to ship new "iPhone 12" models without an AC power adapter, but it could also do the same for previously released devices like the iPhone SE.

The lack of a charging brick in the box is said to be a cost-saving move for this year's iPhone models. Apple also stopped shipping power adapters with the Apple Watch Series 6, citing environmental reasons.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggested that the Cupertino tech giant would also stop shipping charging bricks with previously released iPhone models that "it'll keep selling."

In addition to removing the charging adapter from the newest iPhones today, look for Apple to do the same for the SE and other iPhones it'll keep selling.
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) October 13, 2020

Although Gurman doesn't specify, his prediction suggests that Apple will — or already has — change the packaging for current iPhone models to reflect the absence of the charging accessory.

The Bloomberg reporter specified that Apple would nix the power adapter for the iPhone SE, as well as other pre-"iPhone 12" models that it'll continue selling as part of its updated lineup. At this point, it isn't clear which current iPhone models will continue to be sold alongside the updated "iPhone 12" lineup besides the iPhone SE.

Additionally, it's unclear if Gurman's prediction is simply a guess or actually based on actual leaked information. Gurman didn't say whether he received the idea from an outside source.

Apple has long been rumored to be pivoting toward wireless charging for its flagship iPhone devices, and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has forecast that the company could switch to a "completely wireless experience" by 2021. Apple is also rumored to be developing some type of small wireless charging adapter in lieu of AirPower.

The "iPhone 12" lineup is expected to make its debut at Apple's "Hi, Speed" keynote event, slated for 10 a.m. Pacific (1 p.m. Eastern) on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

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14 Comments

wood1208 10 Years · 2938 comments

About 4 years ago

Over years people collected too many phone/tablet adapters, laying around in house so not having adapter in box is not a problem for most. Moreover, people have high power output multi-ports fast charging power adapters in house so again no need for power adapter in box with every phone or tablet shipped. Help save earth for not ending up in landfill.Though, don't mind having cable(go bad overtime) shipped with phone until wireless charging with no port phones/tablets are shipped.

mike1 10 Years · 3437 comments

Two minor concerns with this plan, assuming they still include the requisite cable.

1. My father just purchased his first iPhone (first smartphone of any kind). I can imagine his wrath if he got home and couldn't easily charge his brand new $700 device.

2. Fact is the Apple chargers are of very high quality and very safe. I suspect that many people will then by cheap, unsafe bricks from the 7-11 checkout counter or the like. Will they blame Apple when their device has a problem or they electrocute themselves?

seankill 15 Years · 566 comments

wood1208 said:

Over years people collected too many phone/tablet adapters, laying around in house so not having adapter in box is not a problem for most. Moreover, people have high power output multi-ports fast charging power adapters in house so again no need for power adapter in box with every phone or tablet shipped. Help save earth for not ending up in landfill.Though, don't mind having cable(go bad overtime) shipped with phone until wireless charging with no port phones/tablets are shipped.

Don't lie to yourself. This is a money move, not a saving earth move. Sure, I have quite a few adaptors but they are all 5W. I have one 10W and one 12W adaptors from my iPads. I'd like my $1200 dollar phone to include a charger......

sflocal 16 Years · 6138 comments

What Apple should be doing is including higher-power adapters 12w+ so everyone can retire the old 5W adapters. I installed new plug receptacles in key areas of my house that includes USB power so we don't use the adapters anymore while at home. It's only when I travel that it matters and I use an old 12w adapter that came with my retired iPad Air.

JBSlough 8 Years · 92 comments

wood1208 said:

Over years people collected too many phone/tablet adapters, laying around in house so not having adapter in box is not a problem for most. Moreover, people have high power output multi-ports fast charging power adapters in house so again no need for power adapter in box with every phone or tablet shipped. Help save earth for not ending up in landfill.Though, don't mind having cable(go bad overtime) shipped with phone until wireless charging with no port phones/tablets are shipped.

I agree but there’s one thing. I wouldn’t be surprised if the cable Is a Lightning to USB-C. Most people don’t have those bricks lying around. I think the iPhone 11 was the first with that.