Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the trend of reducing accessories in smartphone packaging, particularly focusing on the environmental narrative used by companies like Apple to justify these changes while also benefiting financially from cost savings and new market opportunities [8][10][61]. Group 1: Environmental Justification - The removal of accessories like chargers and earphones began with Apple's iPhone 12 series, which was framed as an environmental initiative to reduce electronic waste and carbon emissions [11][12][20]. - Apple claimed that eliminating chargers and EarPods could reduce carbon emissions by over 2 million tons annually, equivalent to removing 500,000 cars from the road [15][16]. - The environmental narrative has been effectively utilized by companies to enhance their brand image while simultaneously reducing costs [25][21]. Group 2: Financial Implications - By reducing the size of packaging, companies can increase shipping efficiency, allowing for more units per transport pallet, which significantly lowers logistics costs [22]. - The trend has led to a broader industry movement where other manufacturers follow suit, capitalizing on the dual benefits of cost savings and environmental branding [26][27]. - The removal of standard accessories has created new consumer demands, such as the rise of AirPods, which generated $39.8 billion in revenue, surpassing major brands like Nike and Coca-Cola [36][37]. Group 3: Consumer Experience - The reduction of essential accessories has negatively impacted user experience, as many consumers find themselves without necessary chargers or accessories upon purchasing new devices [46][49]. - The article highlights a shift from a consumer-friendly approach, where all necessary accessories were included, to a model where consumers must purchase additional items separately, leading to increased costs and inconvenience [53][61]. - The trend raises concerns about the sustainability of this model, as it appears to prioritize corporate profits over genuine environmental benefits and consumer satisfaction [60][62].

Core Points - The article discusses the trend of smartphone manufacturers reducing included accessories, particularly focusing on the recent release of the Sony Xperia 10 VII, which does not include a USB-C data cable [2][3][4] - This trend has been ongoing for five years, with manufacturers justifying the removal of accessories as an environmentally friendly initiative while also benefiting financially [4][6][14] Group 1: Environmental Justification - Apple initiated the trend in 2020 by removing the charger and EarPods from the iPhone 12 series, claiming it was for environmental reasons [6][7] - Apple stated that eliminating chargers could reduce carbon emissions by over 2 million tons annually, equivalent to removing 500,000 cars from the road [9][10] - The narrative of "environmental contribution" has been effectively marketed, allowing companies to enhance their brand image while reducing costs [11][13][19] Group 2: Financial Implications for Manufacturers - By reducing included accessories, manufacturers lower material, packaging, and transportation costs, leading to increased profit margins [15][16][21] - The removal of accessories has also created new markets, as seen with Apple's AirPods, which generated significant revenue, surpassing major brands like Nike and Coca-Cola [28][30] - The trend has encouraged other manufacturers to follow suit, creating a widespread industry practice of reducing included accessories [20][22] Group 3: Consumer Experience and Concerns - The reduction of essential accessories has negatively impacted consumer experience, as many users may not have the necessary chargers or cables when purchasing new devices [40][50] - The article highlights a growing concern that consumers are paying more for devices while receiving fewer essential accessories, leading to a perception of exploitation under the guise of environmentalism [51][58] - There is a fear that this trend will continue to escalate, potentially leading to a situation where consumers must purchase all necessary accessories separately, further increasing costs [54][56]