The new smartphone era: Are charging cables next to disappear?

There was a time when buying a smartphone meant getting a full package — the device, a wired headset, a charger, and a cable neatly packed together. Those days, however, seem to be fading fast. After earphones and power adapters, charging cables are now at risk of being removed from smartphone boxes.

A Minimalist Shift in the Name of “Sustainability”

The trend began with Apple, which claimed its decision to exclude accessories aimed to protect the environment by reducing electronic waste. Now, Sony Xperia 10 VII users report that their phone boxes contain no charging cable — only a user manual.

Although Sony’s smartphone business is no longer as dominant globally, this move raises concerns that other brands might follow suit. Apple’s recent decision to remove the cable from the AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 boxes seems to reinforce that possibility.

An Environmental Paradox

While brands present these changes as eco-friendly, the outcome can be paradoxical. Consumers now buy accessories separately — resulting in more packaging, shipping, and production waste.

In essence, what started as an environmentally conscious move might be creating more electronic waste instead of reducing it. As a result, users are increasingly turning to manufacturers who still include essential accessories in the box.