The iPhone 12 is expected to introduce many changes to Apple's devices, including 5G and faster display refresh rates on some models. However, one decision regarding the next-generation iPhone is likely to frustrate buyers.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives reported via 9to5Mac that Apple will discontinue its long-standing practice of bundling wired headphones with its next handsets.

"Our checks that perhaps wired EarPods will not be included in the iPhone 12 box/package," Ives is quoted as saying in the article. Those who have been following iPhone rumors for some time will notice that this is not the first time this topic has come up. Almost exactly a month ago, Ming-Chi Kuo, another analyst who often makes predictions about Apple's products, said the same thing.

The fact that every iPhone comes with a wired bud is a tradition that dates back to the iPod in the early 2000s, long before Apple got into the mobile game. These days, it is quite rare for a cell phone manufacturer to bundle headphones with their devices. The only notable manufacturer other than Apple that continues to bundle headphones is Samsung, especially with its premium line of Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 10. Google included a USB-C bud with the Pixel 3, but not with the Pixel 4.

With the absence of wired EarPods in the box, owners will undoubtedly head to Apple's AirPods wireless headphones. In addition to the existing AirPods and the noise-canceling AirPods Pro, Apple is expected to soon announce its first in-ear headphones, called the AirPods Studio.

Some argue that it is somewhat wasteful to bundle headphones with every device, since it is not certain that the buyer will even use them in the first place. Nevertheless, it is useful to have a pair of reliable wired earbuds as a backup in case the wireless earbuds fail. The wired EarPods didn't have the sound quality to rival Apple's expensive wireless offerings, but they got the job done.

The iPhone 12, at least, is very likely to be cheaper, partly because Apple is ditching the EarPods. The entry-level 5.4-inch model could start as low as $649, and for the first time all new iPhone models are rumored to come standard with 128GB of onboard storage.