Ming-Cho Kuo, a well-regarded analyst at TF International Securities, has claimed that Apple will not be including a wall socket charging adapter in the box with the new Apple iPhone 12 (via HotHardware).
There are several reasons why Apple may feel comfortable making this decision. Firstly, many iPhone users will already have adapters, either in the pre-existing 5W or 18W variant. Secondly, Apple may feel (or know, we cannot tell) that many people charge their iPhones via a USB connection, either with a modern USB-enabled wall-socket or computer. Thirdly, the iPhone 12 is rumoured to have greater support for wireless charging, and by removing the wall charger, Apple may hope to push consumers towards wireless charging options.
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There are some financial and logistical benefits to removing the power adapter. If the claims are true, Apple may be attempting to up its profits by offering the new 20W power adapter separately, potentially adding a further £30 to £40 to a sale, if we judge using current Apple adapter prices. The iPhone 12’s packaging will also be smaller, requiring fewer materials to be used and allowing for greater numbers to be shipped in single consignments. This is sure to reduce Apple’s costs, but whether these savings will be passed on to the customer is a different matter.
Ming-Cho Kuo also suggested in May that Apple will also be removing wired headphones from the packing. While many iPhone users have already opted for wireless options, including Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro, a lack of wired options may frustrate or disappoint some new customers. With the price of some models in the iPhone 12 range touching four-figures (via Forbes), having to scrape some more money together for new headphones may seem a little unfair. Here, again, one might speculate that Apple is attempting to boost its accessory revenue.
Apple is no stranger to removing features that are typically regarded as the industry standard, as anyone who remembers the controversy surrounding the discontinuation of the 3.5mm headphone connection from new iPhone models.
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