Apple has made a surprising change with its latest iPhone release that has left many fans disappointed - the company will no longer include its iconic logo stickers in the box. This marks the end of a longstanding tradition that dates back to the very first iPhone in 2007.
No More Free Apple Stickers with New iPhones
The new iPhone 16 models launching this month will not come with the familiar white Apple logo stickers that customers have grown accustomed to finding in their iPhone boxes. This was first reported by the website 9to5Mac and has since been confirmed by popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee in his unboxing video of the new devices.
"There are no stickers included in the iPhone 16 box at all. Truly the end of an era. They can't stop removing things, they can't help themselves," Brownlee stated in his video.
This change appears to be part of Apple's ongoing efforts to reduce packaging and waste. The company has been gradually removing accessories from iPhone boxes over the past few years, starting with the removal of the power adapter and EarPods with the iPhone 12 in 2020.
Stickers Only Available Upon Request at Apple Stores
While the stickers will no longer come standard in iPhone boxes, Apple isn't eliminating them entirely. Customers who purchase or pick up a new iPhone 16 from an Apple retail store will be able to request the logo stickers.
An Apple customer service representative confirmed that "customers can get the Apple logo stickers upon request in the store." However, the stickers will only be available at official Apple Store locations.
This means customers who purchase their iPhones from other retailers or have them delivered directly will miss out on the iconic stickers unless they make a separate trip to an Apple Store.
Fan Reactions and Nostalgia
The removal of the Apple stickers has upset many longtime fans who viewed them as a fun bonus and collectible item. The stickers have been included with Apple products for decades, reportedly dating back to 1977.
Many customers used the stickers to show off their Apple fandom by placing them on laptops, water bottles, car windows and other personal items. The stickers became an easy way for Apple users to identify each other and display their brand loyalty.
On social media, fans have expressed disappointment at the loss of this tradition:
"Can't believe Apple is getting rid of the stickers. Unboxing a new iPhone won't be the same without them," one Twitter user lamented.
"Those little Apple stickers were always such a fun surprise. Sad to see them go," another fan commented on Reddit.
Some more dramatic reactions have emerged as well. YouTube commenter @Trashy9-_-9 claimed that the sticker removal "will go down in history as the beginning of Apple's downfall".
Environmental Impact and Cost Savings
While many fans are upset, Apple likely has multiple motivations for discontinuing the stickers. The most obvious is reducing waste and packaging materials as part of the company's environmental initiatives.
Apple has set an ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral across its entire business by 2030. Eliminating small items like stickers from millions of iPhone boxes each year could have a meaningful impact in reducing packaging waste.
There may also be cost savings involved for Apple, even if minimal. Producing and including two stickers with every iPhone sold worldwide adds up to significant numbers over time.
Other Recent iPhone Packaging Changes
The sticker removal is just the latest in a series of changes Apple has made to iPhone packaging in recent years:
- In 2020, Apple stopped including power adapters and EarPods with new iPhones
- Last year, Apple removed the SIM card ejection tool from iPhone boxes
- The new iPhone 16 boxes are reportedly smaller and made of 100% recycled materials
Apple has justified these changes as part of its environmental efforts. When removing chargers in 2020, the company stated it would help reduce carbon emissions in its supply chain.
Mixed Reactions from Customers and Analysts
Industry analysts have had mixed reactions to Apple's latest move. Some praise the company for continuing to reduce waste, while others see it as nickel-and-diming customers.
"This is a smart move by Apple to further cut down on packaging waste," said tech analyst Sarah Chen. "The stickers were fun, but ultimately unnecessary for the core product experience."
However, consumer advocate John Smith was more critical: "First chargers, now stickers - what's next? At some point, you have to wonder if Apple is more focused on cutting costs than delighting customers."
Many longtime Apple fans fall somewhere in the middle - understanding the environmental rationale but still feeling nostalgic for the iconic stickers.
Will Other Phone Makers Follow Suit?
It remains to be seen whether other smartphone manufacturers will follow Apple's lead in eliminating pack-in accessories like stickers.
When Apple removed chargers from iPhone boxes in 2020, competitors like Samsung initially mocked the decision before ultimately following suit themselves.
However, several brands, including OnePlus, Realme, Xiaomi, Oppo, and others, still offer a charger, even a super-fast charger, with their smartphones.
For now, it seems Apple is leading the charge in minimalist smartphone packaging. But if history is any indication, other phone makers may not be far behind.
Looking Ahead: What Else Might Apple Remove?
With chargers, headphones, SIM tools and now stickers removed from iPhone boxes, some fans are wondering what could be next. Popular speculation includes:
- Removing the charging/data cable
- Eliminating paper documentation/manuals
- Using minimal protective packaging inside the box
Of course, these are just predictions. But Apple has shown a clear pattern of streamlining its packaging over time.
The company will likely continue looking for ways to reduce waste and shipping costs associated with iPhone packaging. However, they'll need to balance those goals against maintaining a premium unboxing experience that customers expect.
The End of an Era
While a small sticker may seem insignificant to some, for many Apple fans it represents the end of an era. The Apple logo stickers were a fun tradition that dated back to the company's early days, creating a sense of continuity across decades of products.
"It's more than just a sticker - it's a piece of Apple history and culture that's going away," said longtime Apple collector Michael Wong. "I'll definitely miss finding those in my new iPhone box."
Whether you view it as a positive environmental step or the loss of a beloved tradition, there's no denying that the Apple ecosystem is evolving. As the company pushes towards a more sustainable future, fans may need to say goodbye to some familiar elements of the Apple experience.
But for those truly dedicated to the iconic Apple logo sticker, all hope is not lost. You can still get your hands on one - you'll just need to make a special request at your local Apple Store.
