Apple has launched four new models, including the vanilla iPhone 14 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, but do these models come with a free power adapter in the box like they did in the good old days? The iPhone 11 and older models came with a basic 5W charger in the box, alongside wired EarPods.
Even today, other Apple products such as iPads and MacBooks ship with a free charger. One of the most affordable iPads on the market, the iPad (9th generation) ships with a 20W charger and a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box. Even the M1 MacBook Air ships with a 30W USB-C Power Adapter and a two-meter USB-C cable.
Those willing to purchase the new iPhone 14 should know they won't get a free charger in the box. Following the trend that began with the iPhone 12 in 2020, all Apple provides in the iPhone 14 box is the smartphone itself and a USB-C to Lightning cable. That is it! And it's not that the absence of a power adapter is limited to the regular iPhone 14 — users won't get it with any of the models in the iPhone 14 lineup, including the iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Given that other companies like Asus and OnePlus provide a charger with their phones, Apple's no-charger policy doesn't feel right.
Why Doesn't Apple Provide A Charger With The iPhone 14?
On the official product page, Apple says that "As part of our efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus do not include a power adapter or EarPods." Two years ago, Apple explained that shipping free chargers and cables with iPhones are not suitable for the environment because if customers already have a charger, they get a new one in the box and one ends up in a landfill. Although this makes sense for someone who has been an Apple user in the past, those migrating from an Android smartphone to an iPhone have to spend some extra money to get a compatible wall charger.
Further, the company mentions, "We encourage you to re-use your current USB-A to Lightning cables, power adapters and headphones." Apple has a couple of options for those who don't have a power adapter. First is the 20W USB-C Power Adapter, which retails for $19. The second is the 35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter, which retails for $59. Both these chargers will work fine with the USB-C to Lightning Cable that comes with the iPhone 14. It is essential to mention that other USB-C compatible chargers also work with iPhones.
Source: Apple