With the introduction of the iPhone 12 series and the new Apple Watch Series 6 & SE, Apple has fundamentally changed its accessories policy. But there is an exception in France. Anyone who buys an iPhone there - including the iPhone 12 - also gets the EarPods.
Apple has decided to ship iPhone and Apple Watch devices without a power adapter in the future. The iPhones will also be offered without EarPods. Both products only come with the charging cable. During the last keynote, Apple explained:
"Just like with Apple Watch, we looked for ways to reduce waste and use fewer materials. Customers already have more than 700 million Lightning headphones, and many customers have switched to a wireless experience with AirPods, Beats or other wireless headphones. Additionally, there are more than 2 billion Apple power adapters in use worldwide, not counting the billions of third-party adapters. That's why we're removing those items from iPhone packaging."
Iura servanda – Laws must be observed
But there is an exception. In France, Apple will continue to ship new iPhone devices with EarPods in the future, as has now become known. The reason for this is the laws there. In 2015, the French National Assembly passed a law regulating this. Article L. 5232-1-3, which regulates the protection of children, deals with mobile devices.
“At the request of the purchaser,” the translation states, “the operator shall provide, for the sale of any mobile radio device, an accessory to limit the exposure of the head to radioelectric emissions, suitable for children under fourteen years of age.”
Although the iPhone is certainly mainly bought by people over 14 years of age, Apple is still obliged to do so – there is no exception. Apple itself has not commented on this. However, confirmation of this exception can be found on the relevant product page to see. (Photo by hadrian / Bigstockphoto)
