Apple Ends Inclusion of Iconic Stickers with iPhone 16, Prioritizes Sustainability

In a significant move toward environmental sustainability, Apple has announced that its iconic Apple stickers will no longer be included in the box with the new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models. The decision, revealed to Apple Store teams this week, was first reported by 9to5Mac and marks a shift in Apple’s packaging strategy as part of its goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.

For many years, Apple stickers, featuring the company’s recognizable logo, were a standard addition in product packaging. However, with the release of the iPhone 16, which hit stores on September 20, this tradition is ending. Customers will no longer receive stickers unless they specifically request them. Although the stickers will be available upon request for those purchasing directly from Apple Stores, third-party retailers and carriers will not offer them. Additionally, customers who opt for home delivery will not have the option to request stickers.

This change aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to reduce waste and plastic use, part of its larger commitment to sustainability. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro packaging is now entirely fiber-based, furthering Apple’s plan to eliminate all plastic from its packaging by 2025. The decision to exclude stickers from the iPhone 16 follows a similar trend seen with other recent Apple products, such as the Apple Vision Pro and new iPad models, which also omitted the stickers.

While the absence of stickers may disappoint some longtime fans, it emphasizes Apple’s growing focus on environmental responsibility. The box will still include the iPhone with iOS 18, a 1m USB-C charge cable, and the necessary documentation.

iPhone 16 Lineup

Apple’s new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus feature the powerful A18 chip, designed to enhance performance and efficiency. The iPhone 16 starts at AED 3,399, while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at AED 3,799. Both models introduce a new camera control button and an Action button for faster access to various functions.

iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max

The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, also unveiled, feature larger displays of 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. The iPhone 16 Pro boasts the thinnest bezels on any Apple product to date and comes in a new color, Desert Titanium. Powered by the A18 Pro chip, these models offer even greater performance and efficiency.

The iPhone 16 Pro also includes a 5x Telephoto camera, previously exclusive to the Pro Max, along with a 48MP main camera and a new ultra-wide camera. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at AED 4,299, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at AED 5,099 in the UAE.