After months of speculation, Apple finally did it. In a move to reduce waste and packaging efficiency, Apple will stop bundling its charger and earphones for new iPhone models. This not only affects the iPhone 12 mini, 12, Pro and Pro Max, but also new batches of the iPhone 11, XR and SE. This means you’ll only get a USB-C to lightning cable with your new iPhone purchase.
Original Apple accessories
Apple is currently offering its new 20W USB-C Power Adapter for RM99 and it supports fast charging for the current iPhone lineup. It appears that Apple has made its charger more affordable as the previous 18W USB-C Power Adapter was priced at RM149.
Traditionally, Apple bundles a slow 5W USB-A charger across the range even for the iPhone X and XS series that already has support for 18W fast-charging. Eventually, Apple included a faster 18W USB-C PD charging adapter for the first time when they introduced the iPhone 11 Pro series. To support fast charging, you’ll need to use a USB-C to lightning cable, instead of the older USB-A to lightning cable.
If you want the original wired Apple EarPods with a lightning connector, Apple is currently selling it for RM99 which is RM30 cheaper than before. For those who prefer to plug-in their own 3.5mm headphones, the lightning to 3.5mm dongle is currently going for RM55.
Of course, it is now a trend to go wireless and there are plenty of options in the market. This could range from budget earbuds priced under RM100 to premium earbuds with active noise cancelling like the Sony WF-1000XM3.
Other charger alternatives
For those looking for other charging alternatives, you can get 3rd party chargers that support USB-C PD protocols. One of the affordable options is the UGreen 18W USB-C PD charger that’s currently going for RM23.19. If you own multiple devices at home, you can opt for multi-port chargers with higher output that can charge your iPhone, iPad and laptop at the same time.
USB-PD charging protocol is widely adopted at the moment including Apple’s new iPad Air, iPad Pro and MacBooks. Most USB-C powered laptops uses the PD protocol and this also includes some Android phone manufacturers including Samsung and Sony.
Another option is to go completely wireless and get yourself a compatible Qi Wireless charger. During the iPhone 12 launch, Apple has also introduced a new MagSafe Charger that can seamlessly attach itself to the back of the new iPhone models. It is priced at RM179 and it also works with older iPhone models including the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
If you’re an existing user and don’t want to spend extra, you can still use your old 5W Apple USB-A charger from your old iPhone together with the old USB-A to lightning cable. It still works but it will take a significantly longer time to get a full charge.
