iPhone 12 Buyers Will Be Looking for Headphones and Chargers

By Brendan Menapace

Yesterday, Apple unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 12 models. We say “models” because, like the last few iPhone releases, there’s not just one singular design. There’s the iPhone 12, the 12 Mini and two sizes of the 12 Pro.

Apple users might recognize some design elements. The squared-off edges are reminiscent of the iPhone 5. With that new, relatively major design change from the rounded edges of the last few releases, that means one thing for the promotional products industry: new cases.

The iPhone 12 is literally a reincarnation of the iPhone 5 and I’m here for it pic.twitter.com/2VsHp9dvJb

— Sam Kohl (@iupdate) October 14, 2020

One size certainly has never fit all in Apple’s book, so there would need to be new cases for the new iPhone anyway. But, with the much-hyped design change, it’s a chance to be on the cutting edge of tech design.

Speaking of tech design and modern smartphone accessories, Apple has tweaked the way the new iPhones interact with wireless chargers as well as cases.

The new phones have “MagSafe” technology, meaning they work with magnetic cases and magnetic wallets, and also allow for faster wireless charging on Qi chargers. It also means the iPhone will be more securely held when it’s on a wireless charger, similarly to how Apple chargers for Macbook products stay in place using magnets.

Apple released a line of leather wallets for the new phones, similar to the ones that you could stick on with adhesive before.

And, while we’re on the topic of chargers, Apple is once again removing something from the iPhone packaging. No, it’s not the headphone jack, it’s the headphones themselves. The new iPhones won’t come with Lightning jack headphones like previous models. For environmental reasons, Apple also is no longer including the charging brick that plugs into the wall, instead sending a USB-C to Lightning cable.

Apple has flirted with the idea of universal USB-C for a while now, but still insists on the proprietary Lightning connection, much to our frustration. So, this is a step in the right direction, but will probably annoy some people.

For distributors who sell charging accessories with Lightning cables, it’s still good news. And what’s even better news is that the absence of headphones could mean a lot more people looking for new ones (and not wanting to pony up for expensive Airpods).

So, as with every new iPhone release, there’s the opportunity for new toys to go along with the phone itself. This year, it’s going to be charging blocks and headphones. Plus, anything that sticks onto the back of the phone with a magnet. That’s a pretty good start!