Apple Now Selling 20W USB-C Power Adapter for $19

[B4U]

I hear this argument quite a bit but it's extremely flawed. Even if you count the adapter as a "wheel/rim"

1. Most people who don't live in the frozen parts have one set of wheels for their car. Most people have at least two charging adapters and many have way more than that.

2. Wheels aren't something that you drive the car without. Okay Bill I'm heading into work as soon as I get these wheels off.

3. The wheels from your 2014 car likely won't fit the 2021 model. Of course I'm sure exceptions to this exist.

4. Since wheels stay attached to your car they affect how it looks. Most people don't carry their phones with the charging adapter dangling below.

5. I could probably go on but you get the point...

Maybe for the sake of discussion, we can change that from tires to a SAE J1772 charger on an EV?

 

[Pyrhonen]

Apple should allow to trade in your usb-a bricks for a Usb-c is they wanna do the right thing

 

[Duane Martin]

Well it's a win for Apple, not the consumers (short of some of them just feeling better about Apple for one reason or another).

Again, you are missing the point. Apple has decided to put a lot less crap into this world that is not needed. Believe it or not, that is a win for everyone.

Human caused climate change is real. We cannot continue to act wastefully the way we have in the past. This is a step in the right direction and will be copied by other phone manufacturers. It is the right thing to do.

 

[Duane Martin]

I just wonder if it will be made abundantly clear during the order process that it does not have a power brick and you will need a USB-C port is some form to charge. Not everyone is an Apple Fanatic like we are on the forums. Of could we have multiple power bricks and power banks and macs/laptops with USB-C, but the noobs or Apple Laymen may not have anything, and don't read everywhere to know it is being omitted. I'm sure there won't be a TV ad highlighting Look Ma no power brick!

And so to avoid inconveniencing uninformed consumers Apple should continue packaging and shipping millions of chargers that many people simply do not need? On this we fundamentally disagree.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

By artificially jacking up the price despite showing the "$30 off" price in the keynote?
Am I missing something?

The price, for example, for the iPhone Mini is $729. If you buy through AT&T or Verison, it’s $699. T-Mobile, for example, shows $729, but since the event they’ve indicated that they’ll be providing some form of a deal for customers, too. In the end, it’s likely that very few (save for those that are purchasing unlocked) will be paying $729. And, with the $30, they can buy an Anker charger (for $20) and pocket the difference.

 

[B4U]

The price, for example, for the iPhone Mini is $729. If you buy through AT&T or Verison, it’s $699. T-Mobile, for example, shows $729, but since the event they’ve indicated that they’ll be providing some form of a deal for customers, too. In the end, it’s likely that very few (save for those that are purchasing unlocked) will be paying $729. And, with the $30, they can buy an Anker charger (for $20) and pocket the difference.

Which is usually from Amazon in a gigantic box. 😨

 

[Duane Martin]

there will be more car adapters bought since most cars dont have USB-C chargers and most consumers will think thats all they can use...

I have more faith in the intelligence of the average consumer.

And your bricked phone comment is wild speculation contrary to existing evidence. Cheap knock-off chargers have existed for years and have been bricking a small number of phones; I believe the word has gotten out. There is no reason to believe there is going to be some massive deluge based on ignorant consumers buying cheap chargers for their iPhones in which they have invested many hundreds of dollars.

Very curious about the suggestion that Apple will see a lot of first time phone buyers with this release as well. That would be great for their bottom line but I doubt they are budgeting on that happening. There is likely not a large percentage of first time phone buyers out there to be inconvenienced if they manage to avoid all of the disclaimers, including on Apple's website. Sure, there will always be kids at Christmas disappointed that "Batteries are not included" because someone did not read the packaging but given the alternative of shipping millions of unneeded charges into the world, well, I am with Apple on this one.

I dont really care, but all this lately stuff with apple is starting to leave a bad taste... they are becoming more and more user unfriendly... and less and less customer experience centric..

More environmentally conscious, more concerned with the impact they have on the world. I am happy Apple is leading the way.

 

[iksretep]

If we applied the same logic of defending Apple with their earth shattering or rather "saving" approach of not including the charging brick ... they shouldn't have stopped there, they should have removed the lightning cable as well. Since we're so convinced (and Apple supposedly did a study on this) that people have these hard to close desk drawers that just ooze out cables and chargers, one would think that they would also have enough USB-C/Lightning cords to braid a rug?

You see I own a set of BeatsX earphones which have a lightning connector, and until now I only needed one single cable to charge both the iPhone and the earphones ... with the introduction of Beats Flex which has a USB-C, that's no longer gonna be the case. So being the minimalist - because to some miniscule degree I believe that it probably helps the planet that I don't buy 10 spare cables just to have them as mentioned above "ooze out of the desk drawer" I will be in need of purchasing a cable (whichever one) in case it frays, breaks, etc. Something that could have been avoided if all the ports were the same ... yes I know this is venturing into the "why Apple has not put a USB-C on an iPhone" territory, but to an extent this applies here as well. Why stop at bricks, why not remove the cables from the box entirely if this was truly about saving the environment?

 

[C DM]

Again, you are missing the point. Apple has decided to put a lot less crap into this world that is not needed. Believe it or not, that is a win for everyone.

Human caused climate change is real. We cannot continue to act wastefully the way we have in the past. This is a step in the right direction and will be copied by other phone manufacturers. It is the right thing to do.

The point isn't really being missed, but it seems like the other side of the coin is perhaps being overlooked by some by only focusing on one side of it. There's a difference when it comes to deciding to do something and carrying the burden of it and deciding to do something and having someone else essentially take on the costs for it (while you even end up profiting from it on top of it all) -- the latter being a fairly easy thing to do and carries a different connotation.

 

[russell_314]

Maybe for the sake of discussion, we can change that from tires to a SAE J1772 charger on an EV?

So if we're going with an EV as an example the cord is is included with most EVs just like it is with the iPhone 12. The adapter is the connector on the wall in your garage. Like the adapter it allows you to connect the phone charging cord to a 220V outlet. Getting a new one would still be wasteful if you had a working one in your garage. Of course even the most popular EV doesn't sell in quantities like the iPhone.

The majority of iPhone buyers already have an iPhone charger and adding another is just wasteful. Even adding that cable Apple puts in the box is wasteful for most people. What's worse is most people don't even bother recycling their used electronics. When a charger or cable goes bad or they just have too many they get tossed in the trash then to the landfill. I think it's a fair trade off for some customers to spend $20 or less for a charger so millions don't end up in landfills. I might not be around for when all this environmental waste starts catching up to people but that doesn't mean I don't care about future generations who will.

I know it's rough on people not getting a $20 adapter when they buy their $800+ iPhone. I know at that moment it feels like it's going to ruin their life. I'm really sorry people have to suffer this level of emotional distress to help the environment but it's going to be okay. The guy at the phone store will hold their hand and they'll pick out and adapter together. We will get through the suffering togeth....

No no no forget I said this. No hand holding in 2020... Just pretend to hold hands while staying six feet apart. As I was about to say we're going to make it though this no adapter crisis. I'm sure I'll cry a little when I open my Pro Max and don't see an adapter or earbuds but I'll be okay. 💔 😢

 

[B4U]

So if we're going with an EV as an example the cord is is included with most EVs just like it is with the iPhone 12. The adapter is the connector on the wall in your garage. Like the adapter it allows you to connect the phone charging cord to a 220V outlet. Getting a new one would still be wasteful if you had a working one in your garage. Of course even the most popular EV doesn't sell in quantities like the iPhone.

The majority of iPhone buyers already have an iPhone charger and adding another is just wasteful. Even adding that cable Apple puts in the box is wasteful for most people. What's worse is most people don't even bother recycling their used electronics. When a charger or cable goes bad or they just have too many they get tossed in the trash then to the landfill. I think it's a fair trade off for some customers to spend $20 or less for a charger so millions don't end up in landfills. I might not be around for when all this environmental waste starts catching up to people but that doesn't mean I don't care about future generations who will.

I know it's rough on people not getting a $20 adapter when they buy their $800+ iPhone. I know at that moment it feels like it's going to ruin their life. I'm really sorry people have to suffer this level of emotional distress to help the environment but it's going to be okay. The guy at the phone store will hold their hand and they'll pick out and adapter together. We will get through the suffering togeth....

No no no forget I said this. No hand holding in 2020... Just pretend to hold hands while staying six feet apart. As I was about to say we're going to make it though this no adapter crisis. I'm sure I'll cry a little when I open my Pro Max and don't see an adapter or earbuds but I'll be okay. 💔 😢

Here is the thing though.
Apple is including the USB C to lightning cable which makes absolutely no sense at all.
The only time that charger came with an iPhone was last year's models.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

And so to avoid inconveniencing uninformed consumers Apple should continue packaging and shipping millions of chargers that many people simply do not need? On this we fundamentally disagree.

So why are they shipping a cable that many people don’t need, can’t use and will likely leave unused in the box? Isn’t that the very definition of hypocrisy when it’s still doing something they are marketing against?

I think it’s very obvious environmental reasons is further down the list as to why they have done this. They saved money by not including a plug initially and are now providing a cable they know most won’t be able to use unless they invest in further suitable accessories. It’s a business choice, not an environmental one, which is fine, but don’t try and mask it as something it is not.

 

[Robbosan]

$29AUD here lol. Shafted.

I reckon using a slow wireless charger overnight has saved my battery, still at 100% 11 pro after a year. Have only used the 18W when on holidays.

 

[Oridus]

The issue I have is the fact that they are changing the cable too. How many people have USB-C chargers lying around? You‘re apparently are ok being “nickel and dimed“ but when you pay $1k for a phone, it should come with everything you need for it to work. Period. It’s like buying a new house with no lightbulbs. What‘s $100 worth of light bulbs on a $500k house? $1k phone and you can’t even charge it that night without buying something new. C’mon!

That’s the thing. I don’t need to buy anything new. Even my 11 pro max wall block and cable are still in the box...

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

One thing I have noticed is the carriers are offering a 20W plug with every iPhone purchase for free or charging £9 for one.

I wonder if Apple have done this to generate revenue for other companies after all? It’s certainly not cutting down on waste that’s for sure.

 

[I7guy]

...It’s certainly not cutting down on waste that’s for sure.

Seems if the carriers are the only ones that are offering this, it would imply a certain net positive for the environment.

 

[MrMojo1]

That’s the thing. I don’t need to buy anything new. Even my 11 pro max wall block and cable are still in the box...

You don't need it does not mean other people won't need it.
Lots of commenters already stated they have lots of USB C cables/chargers with their Mac, iPhone or iPads.
Not everyone else have the newer iPhones or other Apple products that came with the USB C cables or chargers which is the point that many of those commenters really don't or refuse to understand!

This is MacRumors so maybe the majority of commenters probably own more than 1 Apple device but the general user or some other commenters may Not.

Many people can still use the older USB A to lightning cable with the older chargers, which are still usable on the new iPhone 12, but that's Not the point!

As others have already stated, Apple wants people to use the USB C cable, which is why it's included with the iPhone 12, so a charger should've been included. Since it's not, people will have to spend more more, regardless of amount, just to get a USB C charger.

That is typical Apple in making users continually buy its accessories just about every time a new Apple product is released. More money to Apple and less to the consumer.

If you have lots of USB C cables and chargers, good for you!
But don't knock [lots of] other people who do Not have them!

 

[ericwn]

Which you will need to purchase separately ? I mean ? So now you need to provide 2 things... eventually maybe the battery would not be included and you use your previous one ? Or purchase it ?maybe the screen ? Maybe we need not include a screen in the box ? Lets do this, you already have a phone for the last 20 years, why dont we sell you a box with new stickers and you bring the rest ? Oh lets do this, you keep the phone and we will sell you iOS and you bring your old phone, everyone has a phone!!!

Just stay on topic. Random guesses on what internal components will be dropped only further rants and guessing games. It is what it is. The 2+ billion chargers hat were shipped by Apple along will continue to work with the current devices. Our current wireless chargers continue to operate just fine.
For the few that have none of the above, there is a solution for 20$ from Apple, plus all the third party stuff.

 

[ericwn]

What else is funny, is you guys acting like chargers do not break, cables do not break, your current USB-C charger will last forever and never ever will go bad.. come on.. eventually you will buy a charger... or it will have to come from somewhere?!?! and benifits to the environment will be minimal if any, if not make it actually worse, since now 3rd party operations(I can hear it now) are ramping up production of bricks, adapters and cables... and apple own operations for charger probably did not shrink to produce out of the box chargers, also add in extra packaging, delivery, handling, sales, even receipts and prints on sales you are probably over what it would be if you at least provide a decent way of doing something pretty basic on a SMARTPHONE in a first place.

That’s just silly. There won’t be a substantial new demand for chargers because Apple, Amazon and others don’t include them anymore. There’s plenty. They hardly break although theoretically possible.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Seems if the carriers are the only ones that are offering this, it would imply a certain net positive for the environment.

It’s shifted the burden hasn’t it? It’s no longer Apple supplying the charger and the carriers didn’t offer it before because there was already one on the box. The environment still encounters that charger that wasn’t supposed to be there lol.

 

[ericwn]

can't you use the older cable you have to charge the newer iphone 12? its still a lightening port?!

Lightning. And yes, it still is. Older lightning charger will work fine.

 

[ericwn]

but packaging it separately and shipping out separately saves the environment? lol get real.

Reducing the impact doesn’t equal saving it. Apple hasn’t claimed to save the environment but to lessen its impact.
Get real.

 

[ericwn]

Apple should allow to trade in your usb-a bricks for a Usb-c is they wanna do the right thing

Apple should offer a chance to bring them back and recycle, for sure.

 

[ericwn]

Here is the thing though.
Apple is including the USB C to lightning cable which makes absolutely no sense at all.
The only time that charger came with an iPhone was last year's models.

It’s the most important port on Apple’s own devices.
Alternatively:
Shipping an old cable: USB-c users will complain that Apple is not up to date, not going with the time, using the most compact port etc

Shipping both cables: double the environmental impact. Complains on both sides.

Shipping the more modern cable: lots of folks just use their old stuff, a bunch are using the new cable. Probably the least amount of complainers involved.

 

[ericwn]

One thing I have noticed is the carriers are offering a 20W plug with every iPhone purchase for free or charging £9 for one.

I wonder if Apple have done this to generate revenue for other companies after all? It’s certainly not cutting down on waste that’s for sure.

That’s probably giving someone in Apple’s marketing team headaches right now.