End of an Era: iPhone 16 Won’t Include Stickers in the Box

inShort

1. No Stickers in iPhone 16: iPhone 16 and 16 Pro won’t include Apple stickers in the box; available only upon request at Apple Stores.

2. Third-Party Sellers: Stickers won’t be available from third-party retailers or online purchases.

3. Environmental Move: Apple aims for carbon neutrality by 2030, with fiber-based packaging and no plastic by next year.

4. Trend: Other Apple devices like Vision Pro and iPad Pro also no longer include stickers.

5. End of an Era: Apple stickers symbolized loyalty but are being phased out for eco-friendly practices.

6. Packaging Evolution: The shift is part of Apple's sustainable packaging goals.
   

   If you’re planning to buy the newly released iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro, there’s a small but significant change you might not expect. For the first time since Apple began including them, the iconic Apple stickers won’t be found in the box.

   
   

   In a recent internal message sent to Apple Store teams, it was confirmed that stickers will no longer be a standard inclusion with the iPhone 16. This marks a notable shift in Apple’s packaging tradition. But fear not, sticker fans—if you're buying your iPhone 16 in-store, you can still request stickers at the time of purchase. However, for those purchasing online, through third-party retailers, or carrier partners, Apple stickers won’t be available.

   
   

   • A Shift Towards Sustainability

     So, why the change? This decision is closely tied to Apple’s ongoing environmental goals. The company has been making bold strides toward becoming carbon neutral by 2030. A significant part of that goal involves reducing its use of plastics and non-recyclable materials across all products. In fact, this year Apple announced that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro packaging is entirely fiber-based.

     Removing non-essential items like stickers from the box is one way Apple aims to streamline its packaging and make it more eco-friendly. This brings Apple closer to its ambitious goal of eliminating all plastic from its packaging by next year.

   
   

   • A Familiar Trend

     While the removal of Apple stickers from the iPhone 16 box may feel like the end of an era for some longtime Apple fans, it’s a change that has been coming for a while. Earlier this year, Apple released the Apple Vision Pro in February, which also omitted the familiar stickers. The trend continued with the new iPad Pro and iPad Air, launched in May, neither of which came with stickers either.

     As Apple pushes forward with its environmental initiatives, these small changes make sense within the larger context of sustainability. Apple has long been a leader in creating eco-friendly products, and moving away from stickers is another way they’re working towards a greener future.

   
   

   • The Legacy of Apple Stickers

     Apple stickers have been part of the brand's packaging for decades. They’ve appeared in everything from iPods and iPads to Macs and iPhones, and over time, they’ve become more than just a fun extra. To many, they’re a symbol of belonging to the Apple ecosystem, a badge of loyalty for Apple enthusiasts. It’s common to see these stickers proudly displayed on laptops, water bottles, cars, and even furniture.

     For some, these stickers were more than a throwaway item—they represented a tangible connection to Apple’s sleek design ethos and innovative spirit. But as Apple evolves, so too does its approach to product presentation and sustainability.

   
   

   • The Future of Apple Packaging

     Looking ahead, it seems clear that Apple is determined to continue refining its packaging approach. By cutting down on plastic, fiber-based packaging for the iPhone 16 is just one of many steps the company is taking. The end of the Apple stickers in the iPhone box is part of that journey.

     While it may be sad for some die-hard Apple fans, the removal of stickers reflects Apple's deeper commitment to its environmental goals and, ultimately, the planet. As they say, change is the only constant—and in this case, it’s a change for the better.

     
     
     
     

     So, if you’re picking up your iPhone 16 in-store, don’t forget to ask for your sticker if it means that much to you. Otherwise, the next time you unbox an iPhone, you might have to say goodbye to a little piece of Apple history.

   • 
     

     This decision underscores how small sacrifices—like a missing sticker—can contribute to a much larger impact. What do you think about this move? Let me know in the comments, or join the conversation on Hey Charu where we talk all things tech and beyond!