We already saw it coming: Apple will stop supplying some accessories with the iPhone 12. Already at the Apple Watch Series 6 you no longer got a power adapter and the same lot now also applies to all models of the iPhone 12. That means that you have to provide a charger yourself. The previous models also see this change. We list for you what you do put in your box iPhone 12 and other devices.
Contents iPhone 12 box: this is included in the package
With each iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro in iPhone 12 Pro Max you get no power adapter (also called plug) more. So that means you have the current plug of your iPhone or buy a new one. The wired Lightning EarPods are also no longer included. Fortunately, Apple does include a USB-C to Lightning cable with each new iPhone.
This is there well in the box:
- iPhone
- USB-C to Lightning cable (standard version, no braided cable. Length unknown, but probably 1 meter.)
- Short instruction manual and SIM card tool
It is not yet known whether the famous Apple stickers are still included with each new iPhone be delivered.
This is there not more in the box:
- Lightning EarPods
- AC adapter
This change applies not only to the iPhone 12 series, but also retroactively to all other models that Apple still sells. So whether you have a iPhone XR buys or the latest iPhone 12 Pro, you get at all 2020 iPhones same accessories included. You may still find these accessories in the box in the near future if you buy one of the previous models from Apple, because it is still old stock. The same also applies to external sellers. This will be gradually phased out in the coming months.
What you have to take into account is that the iPhones come with a USB-C-to-Lightning cable. That means you also need a USB-C power adapter. You may now be using a plug with USB-A input. You can of course also continue to use your current regular Lightning cable, in combination with a standard power adapter. The 5W chargers are also suitable for all iPhones.
Apple’s accessories have fallen in price
The good news is that Apple’s official accessories, which are no longer included with the iPhone, have dropped in price. The 18W USB-C power adapter used to cost € 35. The new replacement 20W version is now available from Apple for €25. We also see the same price drop with Apple’s EarPods, both the Lightning version and the one with the standard headphone jack. The new price for these earbuds is €19 (was €29).
Why is Apple doing this?
You may wonder why Apple suddenly stops such accessories in the box of the iPhone. Apple himself names the environment as the main reason. Lots of new iPhoneOwners leave the included charger and EarPods unused in the box, creating a lot of electronic waste. Apple now has to produce fewer copies of these accessories, which means less waste and less sensitive raw materials. Moreover, many users have already switched to wireless earbuds and headphones, such as AirPods, Beats and other wireless audio products.
This also means that the packaging of the new iPhone is a lot smaller. The box is flatter, which means that according to Apple, about 70% more iPhones fit on a pallet. This means fewer pallets need to be shipped to deliver the same amount of iPhones to retailers and distribution centers. Ultimately, Apple uses 2 billion kilograms less carbon emissions every year. This equates to 450,000 cars taken off the road every year.
But unfortunately this does not result in a lower price. The iPhone 12 series keeps much the same price as the iPhone 11series a year ago. You do get better specifications for that, such as 5G. The iPhone SE 2020 keeps the same price, so with that model you get a little less for the same money. The iPhone 11 in iPhone XR have gotten their usual price drop, which is separate from the accessories not included.
As a result, it may feel a bit bitter as soon as you unpack your new iPhone. Apple will undoubtedly also have economic reasons for not including the accessories, although they will never comment on that.
