Apple reduces price of accessories not included in iPhone 12 box

With the introduction of iPhone 12, Apple is no longer supplying handset buyers a standard wall charger or EarPods, a measure the company says will help offset carbon emissions as part of wider corporate environmental initiatives.

An updated online Apple Store webpage shows EarPods with Lightning Connector now sell for $19, down from $29 prior to iPhone 12's announcement. A new 20W USB-C wall charger, which stands as a ready replacement for the 18W charger that came with iPhone 11 models, receives the same price reduction to sell for $19.

MacRumors spotted the change earlier today.

During today's iPhone 12 unveiling, Apple Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson announced the new handset line no longer includes free wall chargers and EarPods, both staples of all iPhone models since the original debuted in 2007. The decision to remove the accessories forwards Apple's efforts to reduce its impact on the environment, Jackson said.

"Just like we did with Apple Watch, we looked for ways to cut waste and use less material," Jackson said during today's event. "Customers already have over 700 million Lightning headphones, and many customers have moved to a wireless experience with AirPods, Beats or other wireless headphones. And there are also over 2 billion Apple power adapters out in the world, and that's not counting the billions of third-party adapters. So we are removing these items from the iPhone box."

Beyond raw materials, the policy shrinks down iPhone packaging, which reduces carbon emissions from Apple's logistics chain, Jackson said.

Apple began thinning process with Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, both of which lack power adapters. Today's expansion to the new rule includes iPhone SE, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

54 Comments

digital_guy 14 Years · 162 comments

About 4 years ago

How .. is this any type of reduction. I'd argue by selling separately, it causes more. Unless there's a dramatic decline in number of headsets & power supplies purchased? Will almost gaurantee there will now be sudden, 'increased demand' for AirPods / Beats wireless. :/

mac_dog 16 Years · 1084 comments

It’s not the end of the world, people. Maybe you will think twice before purchasing. Although, I know, for many of you it’s nothing—you just need something to complain about.

osmartormenajr 11 Years · 286 comments

digital_guy said:

How .. is this any type of reduction. I'd argue by selling separately, it causes more. Unless there's a dramatic decline in number of headsets & power supplies purchased? Will almost gaurantee there will now be sudden, 'increased demand' for AirPods / Beats wireless. :/

I still have all power bricks from all my devices, about three to one, counting the currently used. The bricks last forever, with minimal proper care. It’s the cables that get frayed from everyday wear and tear.

I recognize that I found that a strange policy, when it was initially presented last month. But it only took a look at my bottom drawer to see the wisdom of it.

And sure is great that if and when I need a new one, it’s a bit cheaper now.

retrogusto 16 Years · 1140 comments

Apple should just put a jar in every Apple Store that works like the “if you need a penny take a penny” thing that some other retailers do. There probably are some users who have extra USB-C chargers lying around, but plenty of people are going to think they don’t need another charger until they realize that their new iPhone cable is USB-C, and then end up having to make another trip to the store, buy another charger with separate packaging and maybe even a bag to carry it home in. Or have it shipped separately in another box within a box.

Rayz2016 8 Years · 6957 comments

digital_guy said:

How .. is this any type of reduction. I'd argue by selling separately, it causes more. Unless there's a dramatic decline in number of headsets & power supplies purchased?

Because there’ll be a dramatic decline in headsets & power supplies purchased.

We have a spares box full of this crap. We’ve got about half a dozen headsets thst have never been removed from their cases.