A fan-favourite iPhone extra will no longer come in the box unless you ask for it in Apple Stores
APPLE lovers will be left devastated as a fan-favourite extra will no longer come when purchasing a new iPhone.
It’s the end of an era for the beloved Apple stickers as the new iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are hitting the shelves.
Not all hope is lost though as the tech giant revealed this week that the stickers will still be available in Apple Stores.
But they will only be available to iPhone 16 buyers upon request, 9to5Mac reports.
Apple stickers won’t be distributed via carrier partners or third-party stores, and they won’t be available if you order an iPhone 16 for home delivery either.
The move is part of Apple’s ongoing attempts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and its environmental ambitions.
Apple emphasised this year that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro’s packaging is made entirely of fibre, helping with its target of getting rid of plastic from all its packaging by 2025.
Though it does signal the end of an era, this shouldn’t come as a shock.
Customers noticed right away that the packaging of the Apple Vision Pro didn’t include any stickers when it was first released in February.
Stickers were also missing from the box of the new iPad Pro and iPad Air, which were released in May.
WHY SO POPULAR?
The popularity of the Apple stickers that come in the box stems from a combination of factors related to brand loyalty, symbolism, and design aesthetics.
Apple has cultivated a devoted fan base, and the Apple logo is a symbol of high-quality, premium products.
People who love Apple products often want to showcase their loyalty, and the stickers give them an easy way to do so.
The Apple logo itself is iconic and visually appealing.
The sleek, simple design aligns with Apple’s overall minimalist aesthetic, making it a desirable accessory for personalising items like laptops, notebooks, or even cars.
The stickers are only available when you buy an Apple product, which makes them feel like a special, exclusive item.
This adds to their appeal, as fans can only get them as part of an Apple purchase.
For some users, placing the Apple sticker on items like laptops or water bottles allows them to project their identity and tastes, as the logo is associated with creativity, innovation, and tech-savviness.
Until now, Apple stickers have been included with products for many years, and some people collect them as part of their Apple experiences.
The nostalgia tied to the Apple brand and its evolution adds to the stickers’ appeal.