On the iPhone With No Charger...
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iPhone 12 could ship with no charger. I have some thoughts. Articles mentioned: theverge.com 500ish.com MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Video Gear I use: kit.co Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: youtube.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
The video discusses a circulating rumor that the iPhone 12 may ship without a charger or headphones, a claim that sparked two very different reactions. The creator presents the first view: shipping the phone without a charger seems absurd because the charger and cable are essential for using the device, and removing them would feel like selling a car without wheels. He emphasizes the potential negative optics and consumer frustration, suggesting that many buyers would expect to receive at least a basic charging solution in the box. He also notes the existing ubiquity of chargers in households and how removing them could exacerbate e-waste, arguing that the environmental argument will be a major framing point for Apple if the move is confirmed. The second view is more forgiving, highlighting that many users already own compatible chargers and headphones, and that eliminating the charger could reduce e-waste on a large scale, especially given the sizable footprint of electronics packaging. He cites a Verge interview about e-waste and argues that less packaging and fewer cables could halve the environmental impact, improving efficiency in shipping. The creator then balances these positions by proposing a nuanced middle ground, such as adjusting the iPhone price to reflect the absence of the charger, and offering discounts for buyers who want to add back a charger or headphones. He sketches a scenario where Apple could frame the change around environmental benefits while offering optional kits for those who still want accessories, much like how some cameras ship without lenses but offer affordable starter kits. The discussion concludes with a consideration of how Apple would spin the decision, including possible stage messaging and the broader context of a potential portless future in upcoming models. He suggests this could be a strategic move to acclimate consumers to a charger-free ecosystem in advance of future revisions, while inviting viewer opinions on how Apple should handle the transition and defend its decision.
Topics · technology · consumer-electronics · environmental-impact · rumors
Questions answered
- Why might Apple remove the charger from the iPhone 12 box according to the discussion?
- The video argues the move could lower e-waste and packaging size, improve shipping efficiency, and set up a broader shift toward future portless designs, while also noting Apple would need to frame it carefully to avoid consumer backlash.
- What is the main consumer concern about removing the charger from the box?
- The main concern is that a charger is a necessary accessory for using the phone, and removing it could feel like a greedy move and inconvenience customers who do not already own a compatible charger.
- How could Apple mitigate potential price backlash if it does not include a charger?
- One idea is to lower the iPhone price by the amount of the charger, and offer discounts or bundles for buyers who want to add back a charger or headphones, effectively matching perceived value with what is included.
- What environmental argument supports not including a charger in the box?
- Removing built-in chargers could significantly cut e-waste and reduce packaging size and weight, leading to fewer shipments and lower environmental impact.