After removing chargers from smartphone boxes, manufacturers are moving on to the next step — eliminating USB cables. The first example was the recently announced Sony Xperia 10 VII, which ships without this accessory. This is reported by Android Headlines.
As one Reddit user reported, the new Sony Xperia 10 VII comes without a charger and cable. Despite the fact that Sony is not the leader in the smartphone market, the company can set a trend for the absence of bundled accessories if the decision seems economically justified. Apple also used a similar approach, abandoning the bundled cable in the new AirPods. Recall that Apple was previously the first to abandon bundled power supplies.
According to the publication, manufacturers generally explain the reduction in the configuration with two reasons: reducing electronic waste and saving costs. According to them, most users already have several USB-C cables, so they consider an additional accessory in the kit unnecessary. At the same time, smaller boxes allow you to place more devices on one pallet during transportation, which reduces costs when transporting between countries.
However, economics remain a key factor. Even a low-cost cable removed from millions of devices provides significant savings for manufacturers. It also creates an additional market for selling certified accessories separately.
In summary, we can say that over time, cables, like chargers, will disappear from mobile device bundles. Manufacturers will seek a balance between environmental initiatives, logistics optimization, and profit from accessories.
For users, this change means additional costs and the need to be more careful when choosing cables. Non-standard or uncertified options can lead to slow data transfer, reduced charging speed, or even damage to the device. This is especially true for smartphones with fast charging support, which require cables with the appropriate power and USB-IF certification.