This year’s new iPhones may not have as much in the box as you’re used to. According to well-connected analyst Ming-chi Kuo, Apple plans to stop including a power adapter and EarPods in the box with 2020 models, and will even remove the power adapter from the packaging of the new iPhone SE later this year. Kuo’s research note was reported by AppleInsider, MacRumorsand 9to5Mac.
According to Kuo, Apple is trying to offset the cost increases that come with upgrading the iPhone range to 5G. Smaller packaging would be more environmentally friendly and would also reduce shipping costs as more phones could fit in a single shipment. (Encouraging more AirPods sales can’t hurt either.)
Right now, Apple includes EarPods with all iPhones, a 5W USB-A adapter with 11 and SE, and an 18W USB-C adapter with 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. The inclusion of last year’s 18W charger came after years of widespread complaints regarding the slow 5W adapter, so it would be surprising to see it disappear so quickly. However, it is unclear whether that will be the case across the entire iPhone lineup.
Separately, Apple is said to be developing a new 20W fast charger that will come alongside the new iPad models. Kuo believes that a 10.8-inch iPad will arrive sometime this year, with an 8.5-inch iPad mini for the first half of 2021. These iPads will apparently come with the new 20W charger, which would otherwise be available as a purchase for separated. for iPhone owners.
