This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
As the world grapples with electronic waste, Samsung is reportedly planning to stop including phone chargers in its smartphone boxes starting next year. According to a Korean news site ETNews report from July 8, 2020, the company aims to reduce costs and minimize environmental impact by removing chargers from some of its top-selling smartphones.
While Samsung may be the first to take this step, it's not alone in considering the move. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that Apple may follow suit by not including a charger with this year's iPhone lineup. Apple may also phase out the 5W and 18W chargers that currently come with iPhones and instead offer a new 20W fast charger that will be sold separately, Kuo said.
Removing chargers from phone boxes could have a significant impact on the environment, as it would help reduce the number of chargers that go unused and are thrown away. This move could also contribute to a reduction in electronic waste, a growing concern globally.