iPhone 13 Models Still Include EarPods in the Box in France

All four iPhone 13 models still ship with EarPods in the box in France due to a law in the country that requires all smartphones to include a "hands-free kit" in order to protect children under 14 years of age from potential electromagnetic radiation.

iphone 13 earpods


Apple's website in France confirms the inclusion of EarPods with a Lightning connector with all iPhone 13 models sold in the country, as was the case with iPhone 12 models. To accommodate this, Apple ships the iPhones in two boxes in France, with the standard iPhone box placed inside a larger white box that contains the EarPods.

Starting in October 2020, Apple stopped including EarPods and a charger in the box with all new iPhones that it sells. The company said omitting these accessories helps to reduce carbon emissions and avoids the mining and use of rare-earth elements. Apple added that many customers have switched to wireless headphones like AirPods. Outside of France, all new iPhones only include a Lightning to USB-C cable in the box.

Apple continues to sell EarPods separately, with pricing set at $19 in the United States.

Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

macduke Avatar
57 months ago
LOL @ France for thinking that kids make phone calls.
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Edsel Avatar
57 months ago
France will next declare that the EarPods cable is a choking hazard and require EarPods Pro instead.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
57 months ago
Love it!
Still use wired EarPods every day

Great super low/no latency and high quality microphone

Love my AirPods, but wired wins for critical communication
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HeavenDynamic Avatar
57 months ago
Incredible, the law hasn't change in 11 months
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Analog Kid Avatar
57 months ago
It seems ewaste is an argument that comes and goes depending on the underlying agenda...
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Joe_ Avatar
57 months ago
It must be a slow news day at MacRumors. It’s required by law, and this was in affect for a while now.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)