Mike Peterson
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.
Wesley Hilliard
AppleInsider Staff
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
14 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.