Apple To Trial 100% Plastic-Free Boxes For iPhone 12 Units Sent In For Repairs

Photo 214081449 © Prykhodov | Dreamstime.com

While Apple’s smartphones have looked relatively alike since the iPhone X, the same can’t be said for iPhone boxes. In recent years, the tech giant has made the packaging slimmer for more efficient shipping—but not without removing the cables and offending some fans—as well as eliminated some of the plastic.

The boxes for Apple products are single-use, though their premium feel makes it far less likely for users to toss them away. Nevertheless, the company acknowledges there’s always a way to improve on its packaging.

A significant packaging change is just around the corner, says MacRumors, which has obtained an internal Apple memo describing a 100% plastic-free iPhone box. This version—poised to roll out as part of a trial this week—will be used to send back repaired iPhone 12 units to customers.

The current packaging for repaired iPhones is a white box that’s wrapped in plastic. The eco-friendly box, on the other hand, will be brown and made of bleach-free paper. MacRumors also says that the iteration has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

The boxes will be shipped from Apple Repair Centers to either Apple’s retail stores, authorized partners, or to users’ doorsteps, according to the memo.

It remains to be known if Apple will extend this alternative to other repaired iPhones, should the trial be successful. One thing’s for certain, though: The company is moving closer to its commitment to cut out plastic from its packaging by 2025.

[via iDownloadBlog and MacRumors, cover photo 214081449 © Prykhodov | Dreamstime.com]