Apple's iPhone 12 Line: Smaller Package May Reduce 2 Million Metric Tons of Carbon Emissions Annually

By Tiziana Celine First Posted: Oct 14, 2020 06:36 AM EDT

Apple argues that the reduced packaging of the iPhone 12 line and without necessary accessories such as the Ear Pods and power adaptor is a step to save the world and reduce the company's annual carbon emissions.

There have been mixed responses from Twitter users and Apple critics, with some thinking this is "outrageous."

Apple, the world's most valuable multinational technology corporation, is stripping off many of the newly launched iPhone 12's inclusions and iconic bundles during the "Hi, Speed" virtual launch on Tuesday morning.

The market's latest iPhone says goodbye to essential accessories, the first in the history of Apple.

iPhone 12 Prices and models

That being said, however, the same price tag for the newly launched iPhone 12 and its models, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max, continue to see almost the same price tag as the previous iPhone 11 release.

This information received mixed feedback on Twitter from users, with some praising the efforts of Apple.

iPhone 12 Mini - Starting at $699 (64gb)
iPhone 12 - Starting at $799 (64gb)
iPhone 12 Pro - Starting at $999 (64gb)
iPhone 12 Pro Max - Starting at $1,099 (64gb)

The starting price of the iPhone 12 is close to the iPhone 11, with the base device starting at $699 for the 64 gb model. Having the necessary accessories in the iPhone kit is the difference between the two updates.

iPhone 12 by Apple: No Carbon Emission Mitigation accessories

Social media influencer Safwan AhmedMia (@SuperSaf) recently created a thread that asked users for their views on Apple's decision to drop the accessories in the box for the entire line of the iPhone 12.

AhmedMia indicated that, as stated by the company in the release, Apple did this to reduce its carbon emissions annually.

The new iPhone 12’s come in a smaller box with no charger or earphones included. This will reduce 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. Thoughts? #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/Yil1SjjJXl — Safwan AhmedMia (@SuperSaf) October 13, 2020

As the influencer creates the thread asking for thoughts, Twitter users were enraged and riled up. Users claim that this is just a way for the company to ask customers for more money, with all the extra accessories being sold separately.

More boxes fit in the same space, so less ships/cars needed to transport the same number of phones. — Slightly Crispy Bread (@CrispySlightly) October 13, 2020

Although some show their anger and dismay at Apple's decision, a few Twitter users defend the giant Cupertino and note their effort to help save the world.

Thinking about the impact on the environment is not bullshit. I put money into the brand specially if they care about the impact they have. — Brandon (@Cedric182) October 13, 2020

How Much Can Apple Mitigate?

Notably, by shrinking the box alone and eliminating necessary accessories, Apple says that it can eliminate 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions. Not only that, to ship the same amount of iPhone 12 to different locations globally, fewer trucks and transportation would be needed.

Popular tech reviewer and "teardown specialist" JerryRigEverything (@ZacksJeryRig) agrees with the latest direction taken by Apple for the iPhone 12.