Apple Lowers Price of EarPods by $10 Now That They Aren't Included With iPhones

[MacRumors]

Apple today introduced its iPhone 12 lineup, and as was rumored, all four models ship without EarPods or a power adapter in the box. Starting today, the iPhone 11, iPhone XR, and iPhone SE will no longer include these accessories either.

Apple's website encourages customers to use their existing Apple power adapter and headphones or buy these accessories separately, and to help offset the cost, Apple has now lowered the price of its EarPods with a Lightning connector from $29 to $19. Apple's new 20W power adapter for iPhones also retails for $19, down from $29 for its now-discontinued 18W power adapter that was included with the iPhone 11 lineup until now.

Apple touted the environmental benefits of no longer including EarPods or a power adapter with iPhones, noting that the move reduces carbon emissions and avoids the mining and use of rare-earth elements. iPhone 12 models also ship in a thinner box as a result, with Apple claiming that it can fit 70 percent more iPhone boxes on a single pallet during shipping.

Apple added that many customers have switched to wireless headphones like AirPods, and said there are over two billion Apple power adapters in the world, implying that many customers no longer need these accessories.

Last month, the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE launched without power adapters in the box, so it is no surprise that iPhones have followed suit. However, all iPad models are still bundled with power adapters in the box for now.

Article Link: Apple Lowers Price of EarPods by $10 Now That They Aren't Included With iPhones

 

[farewelwilliams]

Good. Now all the people complaining about Apple being greedy can stop saying those frivolous things.

Including EarPods sucks for the environment. Instead, Apple can use *SOME* of the money saved towards reinvesting in R&D in other areas. (yes, OF COURSE they'll pocket some of that savings too)

EDIT:

If you don't believe me:

iPhone 12 5G may hit Apple margins despite removing headphones and charger - 9to5Mac

On the heels of Apple unveiling the iPhone 12 with 5G and other upgrades, a new analyst note from Barclays...

9to5mac.com

I rest my case.

 

[soapropos]

Can't believe these cost $29 to begin with

 

[jz0309]

I guess I could sell the few I have, never used...

 

[SDJim]

This is good. I like this.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Well, this is good news!

 

[JM]

I am very, very impressed that Apple did this.

It almost makes up for the $699 mini.... no silly me ?‍♂️ I mean $729. Can't forget that little detail.

 

[coffeeplease]

In the past, they've gotten close to $10 when on sale. Could always have the one with the 3.5mm jack as a spare.

 

[C DM]

Considering they were included with a purchase of an iPhone before, seems like even at $19 it's $19 that is being paid by consumers when they would be purchasing a new iPhone without getting anything for it now.

 

[max.ine]

Wow. So generous

 

[Apple_Robert]

And they could have lowered the price of the phone by $10 as well.

 

[eeboarder]

"For the environment"

 

[ghanwani]

And they could have lowered the price of the phone by $10 as well.

They really wanted to, but phone prices only move in multiples of $50 in either direction.

 

[rjp1]

They really wanted to, but phone prices only move in multiples of $50 in either direction.

And $30 for the same phone

 

[applicious84]

While limiting box size and earpods is good for the environment, so is printing fewer bills and making fewer digital transactions

 

[revelcos]

They had the "COURAGE" to remove the 3.5 mm audio jack. But when would they have the "COURAGE" to put USB C connector on iPhones? Wouldn't be more convenient and ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY for all these years if I could use the same adapter and the same cable for my iPhone, iPad, and Macbook? Corporate greed at the highest level!

 

[Kierkegaarden]

Good. Now all the people complaining about Apple being greedy can stop saying those frivolous things.

Including EarPods sucks for the environment. Instead, Apple can use *SOME* of the money saved towards reinvesting in R&D in other areas. (yes, OF COURSE they'll pocket some of that savings too)

Well said. I still have new, unused EarPods and charging bricks. Even when you trade in your old devices, you keep these items — so I have plenty on hand — I don’t need or even want more.

There will be people whining about this and claiming the motivation behind it is greed — but you can’t argue with the environmental impact they are negating by this move. I’m sure other manufacturers will follow their lead, just as they typically do.

 

[discuit]

Manufacturing and shipping 3 boxes instead of 1 is way better for the environment, clearly.

 

[kerr]

The price of the earpods and USB-C power adapter have dropped ~33% in most countries.

eg. here in Australia, both were AU $45, both are now $29.

 

[omihek]

I think they forgot that about 99% of those "2 billion Apple power adapters in the world" are USB-A, which won't work with the new Lightning to USB-C cord shipping with all new iPhones... smh

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

What happened to when Apple's headphones had the remote in the cable?

I'm really unimpressed with the controls on the AirPods... they aught to have way more tap/swipe capabilities than they do, especially given the price.

 

[Zoboomafoo]

Manufacturing and shipping 3 boxes instead of 1 is way better for the environment, clearly.

Well. Instead of selling 217 million headphones, chargers to collect dust in a box large enough to contain them and the phone, they can sell 217 million phones in substantially smaller boxes and then sell the headphones or chargers separately to those who want them. there won’t be 217 million charger purchases.

so yes, this is much better for the environment

 

[C DM]

Well said. I still have new, unused EarPods and charging bricks. Even when you trade in your old devices, you keep these items — so I have plenty on hand — I don’t need or even want more.

There will be people whining about this and claiming the motivation behind it is greed — but you can’t argue with the environmental impact they are negating by this move. I’m sure other manufacturers will follow their lead, just as they typically do.

But then there's this:

I think they forgot that about 99% of those "2 billion Apple power adapters in the world" are USB-A, which won't work with the new Lightning to USB-C cord shipping with all new iPhones... smh

 

[ian87w]

And to offset this price drops, Apple already built in an extra $30 on your non carrier iPhone.
Seriously, they actually get more money from you by $10 if you buy both the EarPods and power adaptor than previously.

 

[C DM]

Well. Instead of selling 217 million headphones, chargers to collect dust in a box large enough to contain them and the phone, they can sell 217 million phones in substantially smaller boxes and then sell the headphones or chargers separately to those who want them. there won’t be 217 million charger purchases.

so yes, this is much better for the environment

Not factoring in all the extra things that would have to go along with separate headphone and charger shipments and deliveries which will all be extra compared to before.