[NicolasGorden]

If it was only about environmental reasons, wouldn't they just make it optional?

As in, they could include a checkbox (that is unchecked by default) to get these items free in the checkout process. They already ask a million customization questions, why not make this one?

I'd also think that for the percentage of people who need the charger/earbuds, having to make a second purchase on amazon will overall increase the carbon footprint for that person, since two packages shipped are way more inefficient than one. This undermines their argument and seems like it makes them depend on externalities to make their ecological calculations work out.

[vr46]

Optional makes the supply chain worse by having to make two types of box, two production lines. Or by adding them separately you end up with more packaging material and more transport expense. This is a good move for the environment, even it doesn’t feel like it given the vast resources it must take to make the phone anyway.

[NicolasGorden]

I've been involved in the production of physical goods. You are right there's an increase in cost, although then the question becomes by how much.

There's the option to make the same packaging but one having an empty space where another has that space filled with these items.

Even if they had to make two separate boxes, I'd like to think that given Apple's volume, the additional costs in managing SKUs and packaging production wouldn't have too big of a hit on overall production costs. Especially when offsetting the decrease in cost of goods provided. I however don't know their numbers enough to knowledgeably argue this point. Though overall my point I think still stands regardless of the exact dollar amounts being discussed, I can't see those amounts being too serious an inpact on overall costs.

[vkou]

> If it was only about environmental reasons, wouldn't they just make it optional?

If the cost were the same, I'd check the box regardless of whether or not I actually needed the cable.

If the cost were not the same, we'd be in the same situation where we currently are, where you can, in addition to your phone, buy a wall charger.

[VWWHFSfQ]

they can just buy them at the same time they buy the phone if they want them