Apple’s environmentally-motivated decision is boosting sales of its new wireless earphones
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The new iPhone 12 series, as well as older models that Apple continues to sell, don’t come with a power adapter or EarPods. Apple claims it took this step to cut down on environmental waste. Although rivals like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus have mocked the company for removing these accessories, a new precedent may have been set. Apple is already benefiting from the removal of the EarPods from the iPhone 12 retail box.
Beats, which is owned by Apple, announced the new neckband-style $49.99 Beats Flex on October 13, the same day the iPhone 12 series was revealed. The release of the neck-mounted headphones was also perfectly timed – they went on sale on October 23, which is when the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro hit the shelves.
According to supply chain insiders, the Beats Flex is off to a good start, and the sales momentum is expected to continue well into the first half of the next year.
The report also claims that the AirPods, which had 35 percent of the True Wireless Earphones (TWS) market in the second quarter of 2020 per research firm Counterpoint, continue to do well.
Usually, TWS sales peak in the third quarter, before edging down in the fourth quarter. The case is different this year, as demand remains strong, probably because many people continue working from home.
Supply-side sources also believe that other vendors will also stop bundling headphones with their new smartphones. Needless to say, this would further boost wireless earphone shipments.
According to a forecast by research firm Canalys, TWS sales will grow 29 percent in 2020.
Questions & Answers
Q.What reason did Apple give for no longer including power adapters or EarPods with new iPhones?
What reason did Apple give for no longer including power adapters or EarPods with new iPhones?
Apple stated they took this step to reduce environmental waste. This applies to the new iPhone 12 series and older models still sold by the company.
Q.How have competing companies reacted to Apple's decision to remove accessories from iPhone boxes?
How have competing companies reacted to Apple's decision to remove accessories from iPhone boxes?
Rival companies such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus have openly mocked Apple for not including these accessories. However, the article suggests a new precedent may have been established.
Q.When were the new Beats Flex earphones launched and when did they go on sale?
When were the new Beats Flex earphones launched and when did they go on sale?
The new neckband-style Beats Flex were announced on October 13, the same day the iPhone 12 series was revealed. They went on sale on October 23, coinciding with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro release.
Q.What is the sales outlook for wireless earphones in the coming months?
What is the sales outlook for wireless earphones in the coming months?
Supply chain insiders anticipate strong sales momentum for Beats Flex into the first half of next year. TWS demand remains robust, and Canalys forecasts a 29 percent growth in TWS sales for 2020.