Update: After publishing this story Macrumors also posted Kuo’s prediction as obtained in a research note by the publication. The analyst says that Apple will instead release a new 20W power adapter as an optional accessory for iPhones. Further, the company will end production of its existing 5W and 18W power adapters later this year. Kuo says 5G will increase the iPhone 12 production costs, but Apple will sell new models at a comparable price to its iPhone 11 lineup. Hence, removing EarPods and the power adapter from the box is one way to reduce costs. 

Original story:

Apple iPhone 12 series has been in the rumor mill for a while now. The devices are said to arrive with a 20W charger, but a new report claims that it might not be included in the box. The latest development comes from MacRumors, which has obtained a research note by Barclays analysts.

The report says that the iPhone 12 models will not come with EarPods in the box, which is in line with a rumor from last month. It goes on to add that the iPhone 12 series might not ship with a power adapter of any kind. This could leave only a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box.

While the move would be inconvenient for customers, Apple would obviously benefit by not including a power adapter. For reference, the company’s 5W power adapter sells for $19, whereas the 18W power adapter included with iPhone 11 Pro models can be purchased for $29.