Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said today in a research note that Apple will not include EarPods or a power adapter in the iPhone 12 box.
Kuo says that Apple wants to keep selling the iPhone 12 at a similar price to the iPhone 12 and that removing the in-box accessories will help offset the cost of the new devices’ 5G networking equipment.
Including fewer accessories in the box will presumably reduce the size and weight of the iPhone packaging, making them cheaper to ship and will also be more environmentally friendly. Kuo did not mention whether or not the Lightning cable will still be inside the box.
Kuo says the previously-leaked 20W power adapter is legitimate but will be an extra cost accessory, sold separately. The analyst believes Apple is discontinuing both the current 5W and 18 W chargers in favor of the new 20 W model.
Kuo believes Apple’s upcoming new iPads will continue to offer a power adapter inside the box.
Although many iPhone users likely already have a good number of chargers and earbuds around their home, place of work, car, and other locations. However, many in the iPhone community are sure to accuse Apple of price-gouging and not caring about their customers for the removal of accessories form the box.
It should be noted that the removal of in-box earbuds is expected to benefit Apple in the increased sales of the AirPods range of wireless earbuds.
