Lorenz Keller
News + Trends

For environmental reasons: Apple no longer includes stickers

Lorenz Keller
13.5.2024
Translation: machine translated

An era is coming to an end: Apple is no longer including stickers in the packaging of the new iPads. This will be the case for all new products in future - for environmental reasons.

They are part of every good YouTube unboxing of an Apple product: the enclosed stickers. Before the protective film is removed from the iPhone, iPad or MacBook, many fans open the cardboard envelope containing the operating instructions. Stickers with the Apple logo have been included since the 1970s.

In the beginning, the apple shone in rainbow colours, later it became discreetly monochrome. Often in white, sometimes also adapted to the colour of the device that had just been purchased. Many a loyal Apple disciple (primarily men, in fact) then stuck the sticker on their car, bag or sleeve.

The coloured Apple logo as a sticker (probably from the late 1980s) compared to the current version.
The coloured Apple logo as a sticker (probably from the late 1980s) compared to the current version.
Source: Lorenz Keller

This tradition has now come to an end. The VR glasses Apple Vision Pro already came without a sticker. And now the new iPads are also being delivered without stickers.

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Only still in the stores

The good news for fans: The stickers are still available - but only in the Apple Store. There, they can be requested directly at the time of purchase. This was reported by the platform 9to5Mac, which was able to view an internal email sent to the Apple Store teams.

The reason given for dispensing with the stickers is environmental protection. Apple wants to reduce the amount of plastic in its packaging with the aim of completely eliminating plastic from the delivery of iPhones, iPads and other devices in the future.

I still found plenty of untouched stickers in my boxes
I still found plenty of untouched stickers in my boxes
Source: Lorenz Keller

While it's a shame not to use stickers for nostalgic reasons, it makes perfect sense, as many customers are probably like me. I combed through the Apple boxes of the test devices for the photos for this article. Practically everywhere, the stickers are still untouched in the box. They would probably have been disposed of long ago if I hadn't had to send the gadgets back.

The same applies to the so-called "paperwork". In other words, the brief instructions and warranty conditions that are also in the cardboard envelope. I could do without that too. A printed QR code so that I can call up the information when I need it would be enough.

Apple could actually do without the paper too.
Apple could actually do without the paper too.
Source: Lorenz Keller

Have you unpacked the stickers - or even collected or stuck them on? And does the sticker-out bother you? Write it in the comments!

Header image: Lorenz Keller

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Gadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.


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