Apple's Green Claims Under Scrutiny as New iPhones and Watches Offer Only Minor Upgrades

Apple touts environmental benefits of new iPhones and watches, but incremental changes undermine eco-claims.
Initiatives like investing in renewable energy have challenges in precisely calculating impact today.
Pumping out new models yearly requires more finite resources, despite marginal improvements.
Apple dragged heels on USB-C and right to repair, which could reduce e-waste more than recycled materials.
Most eco-friendly option is keeping current devices longer rather than buying new, since old iPhones/watches still work well.

androidauthority.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/10/2023

Apple to Phase Out Silicone Accessories, Transition to More Sustainable Materials

Apple is rumored to be discontinuing its silicone and fluoroelastomer accessories and replacing them with more eco-friendly materials like "FineWoven," as part of its transition to using more environmentally friendly materials.

9/12/2023

Apple's Journey from Garage Startup to Tech Giant: Key Moments in the Company's History

Apple, founded in 1976, has gone through significant milestones such as the introduction of the Apple II, Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and more, eventually becoming carbon neutral in 2021 and continuing to innovate with the release of the iPhone 14 in 2022.

9/12/2023

Apple Watch Series 9 Goes Carbon Neutral Through Clean Energy and Recycling

Apple introduced its Series 9 Watch, which is its first carbon neutral product, by using clean electricity and recycled materials, reducing its carbon footprint by 78%.

9/13/2023

Apple Pursues Carbon Neutrality by 2030, But Progress Depends on Details

Apple announced its first-ever carbon-neutral products and its goal for all products to be carbon neutral by 2030, reducing emissions through renewable energy and using sustainable materials, but further scrutiny is needed to ensure accountability and true sustainability beyond buying specific combinations of items.

9/15/2023

Apple Leads Big Tech on Climate Goals But Still Trails on Device Repairability, While Smaller Fairphone Excels on Sustainability

Apple is leading the mobile industry in terms of sustainability, with initiatives such as e-waste recycling and renewable energy use, while other major manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi are falling behind.

9/15/2023

Apple Sets Ambitious Net Zero Emissions Goal by 2030, Expanding Environmental Focus Under Tim Cook

Apple is making progress towards its goal of achieving zero carbon emissions for all its products by 2030, including addressing challenging Scope 3 emissions through its contracts with third-party manufacturers.

9/17/2023

Apple Steps Up Efforts for Carbon Neutrality, Renewable Energy Use

Apple CEO Tim Cook has outlined the company's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and clean energy goals, with investments in solar energy projects and a focus on making environmental choices that also make economic sense.

10/9/2023

Apple CEO Tim Cook Discusses iPhones, EVs, and Sustainability in New Interview

Apple CEO Tim Cook discusses the company's environmental efforts, including its goal to reach renewable power and use recycled materials, and hints that future iPhones will be carbon neutral in a new interview with Brut.

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Posted 9/16/2023, 1:17:08 PM

Apple's Green Claims Under Scrutiny as New iPhones and Watches Offer Only Minor Upgrades

Apple touts environmental benefits of new iPhones and watches, but incremental changes undermine eco-claims.
Initiatives like investing in renewable energy have challenges in precisely calculating impact today.
Pumping out new models yearly requires more finite resources, despite marginal improvements.
Apple dragged heels on USB-C and right to repair, which could reduce e-waste more than recycled materials.
Most eco-friendly option is keeping current devices longer rather than buying new, since old iPhones/watches still work well.

androidauthority.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/10/2023

Apple to Phase Out Silicone Accessories, Transition to More Sustainable Materials

9/12/2023

Apple's Journey from Garage Startup to Tech Giant: Key Moments in the Company's History

9/12/2023

Apple Watch Series 9 Goes Carbon Neutral Through Clean Energy and Recycling

Apple introduced its Series 9 Watch, which is its first carbon neutral product, by using clean electricity and recycled materials, reducing its carbon footprint by 78%.

9/13/2023

Apple Pursues Carbon Neutrality by 2030, But Progress Depends on Details

9/15/2023

Apple Leads Big Tech on Climate Goals But Still Trails on Device Repairability, While Smaller Fairphone Excels on Sustainability

9/15/2023

Apple Sets Ambitious Net Zero Emissions Goal by 2030, Expanding Environmental Focus Under Tim Cook

9/17/2023

Apple Steps Up Efforts for Carbon Neutrality, Renewable Energy Use

10/9/2023

Apple CEO Tim Cook Discusses iPhones, EVs, and Sustainability in New Interview