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Why Phone Companies Stopped Including Chargers in the Box
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News18•18-10-2026, 12:00
Why Phone Companies Stopped Including Chargers in the Box
- •Apple started removing chargers from iPhone boxes in 2020, followed by Samsung and other manufacturers.
- •Phone companies primarily cited environmental benefits and electronic waste reduction as the main reason for the change.
- •Removing chargers also significantly lowers production, packaging, and shipping costs for manufacturers.
- •Consumers often have to buy separate fast-charging adapters to utilize their new phones' maximum capabilities.
- •Giving customers a choice to buy a phone with or without a charger could be a fairer solution for everyone.
Key Questions Answered
Apple removed the charging adapter with the iPhone 12 series in 2020, followed by Samsung with its Galaxy S21 series in 2021.
Phone companies claim that removing chargers reduces environmental waste because most people already have them at home, while smaller packaging allows more efficient transport. However, the decision also significantly lowers production, packaging, and shipping costs for manufacturers, while extra market economics drive additional revenue when consumers buy separate chargers.
While an old compatible charger will usually charge a new phone safely, it may not support the faster charging speeds that the new device offers.
