Every iPhone launched to date has come with a pair of headphones in the box, but that may change with the iPhone 12.
Apple might not include wired EarPods headphones in the box with the iPhone 12, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via 9to5Mac). This could help give sales of AirPods a boost since new iPhone owners wouldn't be getting free headphones with their new phone.
Kuo also suggests that Apple might heavily discount the AirPods this holiday season. Such a move could also help push new iPhone 12 owners to make the jump to a pair of AirPods.
The iPhone 12 wouldn't be the first smartphone ever to ship without headphones in the box, but this would still be a big move for Apple. Many people just use the headphones that are included with their phone, but folks who buy the iPhone 12 couldn't do this. And because the iPhone ditched the 3.5mm headphone jack years ago, new iPhone 12 owners wouldn't be able to just plug in any old headphones they already have unless they've got Apple's 3.5mm-to-Lightning adapter.
Apple could take away some of the sting for customers who have to buy AirPods to go with their new iPhone 12 by offering some sort of deal on the AirPods. The company isn't expected to launch a new model of AirPods until 2021, and so if the iPhone 12 launches in September or October, the current AirPods would be around 18 months old. That could give Apple another reason to discount them.
What do you think of this rumor? Do you care whether or not a new smartphone you buy comes with headphones in the box?