- Sony sells the Xperia 10 VII without a charger or USB cable: only the phone comes in the box.
- The official argument appeals to the sustainability and standardization of USB-C, but there are also cost savings.
- Apple had already removed the cable from accessories like AirPods 4 and Pro 3; the iPhone still includes one.
- The disappearance of the jack and the purchase of low-quality cables pose risks in an increasingly wireless future.
The smartphone industry has taken another step towards wireless mobile phones: It's no longer just about removing the charger from the box, now even the cables themselves disappear.The latest move comes from Sony makes a striking move in the packaging of its latest phone.
This change rekindles the debate between ecological discourse and cost savingsManufacturers emphasize reducing waste and utilizing accessories we already have at home, while some users perceive it as a strategy to cut costs and boost the sale of accessories.
From removing the charger to removing the cable: the new step
In 2020, Apple opened a stage by selling the iPhone 12 without a power adapter, relying on the USB-C standardization and logistical advantages smaller boxes. That decision set the pace: fewer accessories at the checkout as the new "normal" in the industry.
The rest soon followed. There were tests by market: for example, OnePlus came to sell the Nord CE4 Lite 5G without charger in Spain while keeping it in India. And Realme already announced in 2022 with the Narzo 50A Prime that its commitment was to remove the adapter, citing sustainability as the main reason.
Now the bar goes up a notch: Sony sells the Xperia 10 VII without a charger or USB cable.It's, in fact, the first major brand smartphone to come without any charging accessories. Apple had already done something similar, but with its AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3, which are sold without a cable in the box.
Sustainability, logistics and business: why they disappear
The official reasoning sounds familiar: with years of USB-C under their belt, most users accumulate multiple cables at home and avoid including another reduces electronic wasteIn addition, more compact packaging facilitates transportation and reduces emissions per unit shipped.
But there is also a business reality: removing accessories saves a few cents per device that, on a scale of millions, adds up to a lotAnd as a result, some customers end up buying official cables and chargers, products that tend to have higher margins than the phone itself.
On the consumer side, risks arise: The absence of a "reference" cable pushes people to buy cheap alternatives with dubious certifications., which can quickly degrade, limit charging speeds, or, in the worst case, damage your device. It's a good idea to look for USB-IF-certified cables and verify power and data transfer before checking out.
For now, among the phones, Only Sony has taken the step of also removing the cableApple maintains one on the iPhone, but the precedent is already in place, and the combination of environmental arguments and real savings could accelerate adoption if a major brand takes the plunge.
A more wireless future: from headphone jack to USB-C
The trend towards going wireless is not new. By 2025, for the first time, Mobile phones without a 3,5 mm jack already outnumber those with one., according to public launch counts: more than 60% versus less than 40%. After years of justifying it by gaining internal space or improving water resistance, the practical effect has been to push wireless audio.
The unification of USB-C as a universal connector in the EU It simplifies some of the picture, but USB-C audio is still a nuanced field (not all phones implement the same thing, nor are all headsets compatible without converters). It's a comfortable transition for many, but not always seamless for the less experienced user.
If the boxes arrive without cables and the ports are disappearing, it is time to prioritize reuse quality accessories, buy certified cables and review compatibility (power, charging standards, and data). Those who want to continue in the wired field will have options, although they are increasingly limited and require greater attention to technical details.
With moves like the Xperia 10 VII, the smartphone is heading towards an ecosystem more minimalist in the box and more wireless in useThe key issue will be how this transition is managed so that the environmental and logistical benefits don't translate into hidden costs for the user in the form of extra accessories or worse experiences due to poor choices.
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