Or they really did it because most iPhone users already have multiple of them sitting in a stack somewhere in their house and it makes sense to do so?
As in, they could include a checkbox (that is unchecked by default) to get these items free in the checkout process. They already ask a million customization questions, why not make this one?
I'd also think that for the percentage of people who need the charger/earbuds, having to make a second purchase on amazon will overall increase the carbon footprint for that person, since two packages shipped are way more inefficient than one. This undermines their argument and seems like it makes them depend on externalities to make their ecological calculations work out.
If the cost were the same, I'd check the box regardless of whether or not I actually needed the cable.
If the cost were not the same, we'd be in the same situation where we currently are, where you can, in addition to your phone, buy a wall charger.
There's the option to make the same packaging but one having an empty space where another has that space filled with these items.
Even if they had to make two separate boxes, I'd like to think that given Apple's volume, the additional costs in managing SKUs and packaging production wouldn't have too big of a hit on overall production costs. Especially when offsetting the decrease in cost of goods provided. I however don't know their numbers enough to knowledgeably argue this point. Though overall my point I think still stands regardless of the exact dollar amounts being discussed, I can't see those amounts being too serious an inpact on overall costs.
"I mean it helps them lose new first time customers and lose previous customers as well (once you're off the wagon, you're off). I'm all for this."
Pick a narrative and stick to it.
Also, it depends on implementation as well. Some devices are compatible and need the quick chargers.