2020 was a dark year for more reasons than just the start of a global pandemic. It was the year when the iPhone 12 came out and started the mainstream-ification of very lean smartphone boxes. Yep, that was the year when Apple decided we didn’t need to have chargers or earphones bundled with our devices anymore.
These days, a lot of midrange and budget smartphones still manage to fit chargers or clear TPU cases into the phone’s box, but the story is different for most flagships. Apple set an annoying precedent that leaves us with nothing but a phone and a USB-C cable, and it needs to stop.
This Whole Mess Started Because Of “Environmental Concerns” According To Apple
There was a time when I’d have never imagined that phones would come without a charger in the box. Unfortunately, we ended up here, and the real canon event that brought us to this point was in 2020, with the release of the Apple iPhone 12. When the company released that device, the unboxing was duller than usual: it came with a phone, a USB cable, and a SIM ejector tool. Nothing substantial besides the phone.
Apple claims it made this decision to be more environmentally friendly, as it believed most users buying a new iPhone had a charger or earphones from their previous iPhone. Instead of shipping a charger you don’t need, why not reduce e-waste? At the same time, that obviously increased sales of Apple’s chargers, now that they weren’t bundled anymore.
In the end, Apple got to sell its phones for the same price as before, sans a few essential parts and still got people to pay them extra for those essential parts that weren’t included in the first place.
Android Manufacturers Followed Suit, To No One’s Surprise
As much as I am not an Apple guy, it is impossible not to give the company kudos when it comes to how much of a trendsetter it is. Unfortunately, other companies tend to follow suit, even when the decision isn’t something that consumers will be happy with. After all, Apple’s doing it, right?
Of course, it didn’t take long for Android manufacturers to jump in on the action. If Apple could maximize its profits that way, so could they. Now, the most expensive phones from companies like Samsung and Honor don’t come with a charger bundled. All you get is a stinky little USB-C cable, and considering how much you pay, that’s ridiculous.
It’s Time For Things To Change With How Much Consumers Pay For Flagships
It’s rather crazy how the most expensive phones on the market are the worst offenders when it comes to not bundling anything in the box beyond a cable and a SIM ejector tool, and who knows how long that’ll even last?
I think it is ridiculous that I could buy a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 for nearly $2,000 and only get a USB-C cable and SIM ejector tool in the box with it. The phone only supports a measly 25W when plugged in, and that retails at only $35 with the cable (and definitely costs Samsung less). Why not just make the customers happy and cover all bases?
I know this is still wishful thinking and the same way the 3.5mm jack never came back to the majority of flagships is likely how chargers and earbuds won’t make their way back to boxes. A man can dream though, right?
