Lifestyle | November 13th, 2023

Environmental Concerns With Apple’s Annual iPhone Releases

By: Jada Pierre

Apple Incorporated., well-known for its cutting-edge technology and yearly iPhone releases, is involved in a continuous controversy about the effects of its business practices on the environment. While tech critics and environmentalists eagerly await each new gadget, some wonder if annual releases benefit the environment.

According to Apple, these allegations are not factual.

“We take responsibility for our products throughout their life cycles—including the materials they are made of, the people who assemble them, and how they are recycled at the end of life,” Apple said. “And we focus on the areas where we can make the biggest difference for our planet: reducing our impact on climate change, conserving important resources, and using safer materials.”

Apple, on the other hand, has addressed these worries. The company keeps working to lessen Apple’s impact on climate change by emphasizing the production of energy-efficient goods using recycled or renewable materials as well as renewable energy.

Addressing Concerns

Additionally, Apple launched the trade-in program, which rewards customers who upgrade less frequently and encourages users to return their old devices for reusing materials.

“To conserve important resources, we work to reduce the material we use and aim to one-day source only recycled or renewable materials in our products,” Apple said. “And as we make this transition, we remain committed to the responsible sourcing of primary materials.”

Those materials include 100 percent of identified tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, cobalt, and lithium smelters and refiners to participate in third-party audits.

The new iPhone’s product designs limit the use of hundreds of dangerous substances to protect the health and safety of those who manufacture, use, and recycle our products, stating, “Our standards go beyond what’s required by law to protect people and the environment.”

Apple states that strict guidelines are outlined in the Apple Supplier Code of Conduct to safeguard both the planet and the people who work in their supply chain. They ensure the performance evaluation of their suppliers annually in keeping with the standards that their code mandates.

It is very difficult to find a balance between environmental responsibility and customer preferences. The company’s yearly iPhone releases contribute significantly to revenue generation and help it keep a competitive edge in the tech industry while supporting the advancement of sustainable technology.