Apple removes power adapters and headphones from iPhone box

Jan 03, 2024

If you thought removing the headphone jack was courageous, wait until you hear what Apple has in store for you now.

At Tuesday's pre-recorded Apple event, various company execs touted all the exciting new features coming with the various iPhone 12s. One such feature, it would seem, enables Apple to give you less with your purchase. According to Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of environmental policy and social initiatives, "the iPhone box" will not include a power adapter or headphones.

That's right, your brand-new $1,000 iPhone won't come with a power adapter.

According to Jackson, that translates to "a smaller, lighter iPhone box" — letting Apple fit "up to 70 percent more products on a shipping pallet."

iPhones will come with a USB-C to Lightning cable. However, that USB-C cable is not compatible with your existing iPhone power adapter — meaning, if you want to use your USB-C cable, you'll either need to purchase a special power adapter or share one with your MacBook (assuming you have one of those).

While Apple couched this decision in terms of its environmental benefit, it also puts an additional burden on consumers.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces HomePod mini smart speaker

If you have tons of old charging cables around your apartment, then this move might not matter much to you. If you don't, get ready to spend an extra $20.