Chapter 1: A Fan’s Frustration

As a long-time Apple enthusiast, I must express my disappointment. While their carbon-neutral initiatives appear commendable on the surface, I can't help but feel skeptical.

I recently ordered a new MacBook Air, having been a loyal user of Apple products for over a decade. They are indeed reliable devices with minimal issues. However, my frustration stems from Apple's tendency to remove features from their devices, pushing users toward unnecessary changes in the tech landscape. While I understand their desire to innovate and lead, it often feels greedy.

As a writer and a music/podcast producer, I recall opting for a mid-2012 MacBook Pro back in 2014 solely because it had a DVD drive. At that time, I was not ready to let go of physical media. Eventually, streaming and cloud storage became the norm, but that transition took time. Had I chosen a newer model, I would have needed to buy an external DVD drive, complicating my workflow.

Despite the decline of DVDs and Blu-ray discs, they still hold relevance for many, yet Apple’s recent models have phased out such features.

As for my new Air, I found myself needing a USB-C hub. Apple offers one for nearly $70, so I opted for a much cheaper alternative from Amazon. What is a USB-C hub? It’s essential for connecting external devices, such as SD cards or standard USB connections, since MacBooks only come with two Thunderbolt USB-C ports. However, very few external devices actually utilize USB-C connections. Yes, your new iPhone does, but for everything else, wireless is the only option. This presents a major inconvenience, especially for musicians like me who depend on reliable wired connections for recording. While USB-C offers faster data transfer, it’s frustrating to think that by the time it becomes standard, Apple might eliminate yet another feature.

Similarly, with the new iPhone, you receive a charging cable but no power brick. If you don’t already own one, you’ll need to purchase it separately. If your existing power brick lacks a USB-C port, it's destined for the landfill. Additionally, the absence of bundled earbuds with new phones means users must buy them separately. This adds unnecessary costs and waste, contributing to the very issue Apple claims to address with their environmental initiatives.

It’s worth noting that Apple isn't alone in this practice; companies like Samsung and Google have adopted similar strategies.

Let’s break down the numbers. According to Statista, there are approximately 113 million iPhone users in the U.S. If each user buys just one set of earbuds and one power brick, that’s a staggering 339 million pieces of plastic and packaging that could end up in landfills. When combined with the waste generated by MacBook users, the total is alarming.

I appreciate good business practices, but it's disheartening to see customers pressured to purchase additional products, which indirectly expands their carbon footprint. This approach, disguised as eco-friendliness, feels misleading. It’s reminiscent of companies raising prices under the guise of inflation while refusing to sacrifice their profit margins—an issue for another day.

Is the title of this piece a bit exaggerated? Perhaps. Yet, the underlying message stands strong.

Here’s a thought for Apple and other companies following suit: Why not include everything a customer needs to use their device without forcing additional purchases? This could eliminate unnecessary waste and packaging that ultimately harms our planet.

Moreover, there’s a limit to customer dissatisfaction before they decide to take their business elsewhere. For now, however, I’ll continue to voice my concerns while using my brand-new MacBook Air—hopefully not my last.

Apple's Environmental Practices: Are They Really Green?

The first video critiques Apple’s environmental claims, focusing on their practices that seem to contradict their sustainability messages.

Why Apple Is Destroying YOUR iPhone!

The second video explores Apple's strategy of removing essential accessories, questioning the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility.