| Cult of Mac

Why you might be interested in Apple’s new USB-C EarPods

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Apple USB-C EarPods
You don't have to buy AirPods to get decent earbuds from Apple for your Mac or iPad.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s transition away from the old Lightning connector includes a USB-C version of EarPods, and these can now be purchased online for under $20.

The wired earbuds that come with iPhone are surprisingly good — audio quality is closer to AirPods than you might realize. And there are other advantages for Mac and iPad users, too.

Today in Apple history: iPhone 5 brings big changes, new EarPods

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The iPhone 5 packed remarkable upgrades into an incredibly thin design.
The iPhone 5 proves thin is in at Apple.
Photo: Soldier Knows Best/YouTube

September 12: Today in Apple history: iPhone 5 brings big changes, new EarPods September 12, 2012: Apple introduces the iPhone 5, with a super-slim form factor that makes it the thinnest smartphone in the world.

The new iPhone also brings impressive upgrades such as a greatly improved display and the Lightning port. Despite some controversy, it proves a massive hit.

French iPhone 12 buyers get free EarPods — in a ridiculously huge box

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Free iPhone headphones are still a thing in France.
In France, the Apple Store keeps giving free headphones with every new iPhone sold this autumn.
Screenshot: Apple

The Apple Store stopped bundling free headphones with all new iPhones sold this autumn. But that’s not true in France. In that one country, buyers still get a pair of EarPods with their purchase… in a relatively enormous box.

But French consumers don’t get a wall charger in the box. That’s true for every iPhone buyer.

Here’s how the new, smaller iPhone box measures up to its predecessor

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Does anyone really need another iPhone charger?
Here's what removing the iPhone charger means for the box size.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

This year’s iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will be the first new iPhones not to come with EarPods or a charger in the box.

During Apple’s October keynote it said that removing these components lets it reduce carbon emissions from shipping by packing way more boxes onto shipping pallets. Now, thanks to a comparison posted by Apple analyst Neil Cybart, we have an idea what that means in terms of the overall box footprint.

iOS 14.2 adds more evidence iPhone 12 won’t come with EarPods

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Apple's new EarPods brought big improvements over previous versions.
This could be the end of the road for EarPods coming packaged with the iPhone.
Photo: Juanibb/Wikipedia CC

A “minor code tweak” discovered in iOS 14.2 appears to confirm previous reports that Apple will not package EarPods with the iPhone 12.

The rumor was originally suggested by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo back in May. This change in language, hidden in iOS 14.2, seems to lend credence to that idea.

iPhone 12 will debut in September, but don’t expect EarPods in the box

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iphone-12-pro
Excited about the iPhone 12?
Photo: The Hacker 34

According to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, Apple has overcome whatever delays it faced in manufacturing the iPhone 12 and, as of now, the devices should debut in September as planned. Shipping would take place early the next month.

While that’s marginally later than last year’s launch date, it suggests that Apple has managed to claw back its schedule after coronavirus rocked the supply chain earlier this year.

Week’s best Apple deals: Get an Apple Watch for only $180!

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The Apple Watch Series 1 is on sale now at the best price we've seen.
The Apple Watch Series 1 is on sale now at the best price we've seen.
Photo: Apple

Have some New Year’s resolutions? See if these ring a bell. You can get fit with a new Apple Watch, cut the cable cord and save money with an Apple TV, and more!

And you can do those things on the cheap, with the Apple Watch sale and o†her Apple deals you’ll find in this week’s roundup.

Jony Ive talks earbuds inspired by stormtroopers, Apple Park

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AirPods EarPods
Ive had the dark side in mind while designing Apple earbuds.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Jony Ive has revealed that the company’s iconic white earbuds were inspired by Star Wars stormtroopers.

In a new interview, in which he also talks at length about Apple Park, the Apple design chief describes how he had the dark side in mind while creating them for the iPod.