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

By 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.

Credit: Apple

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."

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.