As expected, Apple announced on Tuesday that their new iPhone 12 lineup will not include a power adapter or a pair of EarPods in the box. This allows Apple to use slimmer packaging. Apple says it is making the move to save on packing materials, resulting in less of an environmental impact.
But let’s be honest, Apple also benefits from the reduced costs of not including the two accessories in the box, helping to keep profit margins healthy, even with the addition of the expensive 5G feature to its new handsets. With fewer items in the box, Apple can make the iPhone box smaller, which means it weighs less, and more iPhones can fit on a single pallet, reducing shipping costs.
As for what will be in the box, all iPhone models will still include a charging/sync cable. Apple will include a USB-C to Lightning cable. However, contrary to rumors that had floated around the rumors bowl, the cable is not of a braided design it is instead the standard Apple-designed rubber-coated USB-C to Lightning cable.
In related news, Apple is now offering a new 20W USB-C power adapter. The new 20W USB-C power adapter replaces the 18W USB-C adapter that Apple used to sell for $29. The new 20W USB-C power adapter retails for $19 when buying it directly from Apple.