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I really don't know what the hell Apple is thinking. Presumably, new iPhone = more dosh. But if you're going to release a fancier, quicker mobile phone a year after the first version was touted as the best thing since sliced bread, surely you should have thought about the environment?
As far as I can tell, the new iPhone isn't any more eco-friendly than the old one, which was torn apart by Greenpeace back in October 2007. And here we were at SmartPlanet thinking Apple might be working on a solar-powered version for the next launch.
Surely they've missed a trick here. With Nokia launching the N96, the Blackberry Thunder gaining plaudits and a host of touchscreen phones coming out, the iPhone has been losing its wow factor for a while. Solar power, recycled plastic or even launching a recycling scheme outside the US would have made a point of difference.
For me, the iPhone has lost its shine. Tell me if I'm wrong or if I've hit the nail on the head in the comments section below.
10 June 2008 06:39pm
Apple does have a UK recycling scheme that covers any brand of mobile phone (or iPod, or computer).
http://www.apple.com/uk/environment/recycling/
"Apple?s free recycling programme offers free and environmentally friendly disposal of your iPod or mobile phone ? regardless of manufacturer or model"
As for the plastic, I imagine Apple would prefer to use aluminium for the back of the iPhone (prestige and continuity first; environment and getting Greenpeace of their backs second), but metal cases on mobile phones reduce reception. Recycled plastic may be a better solution, but I'm not sure if the types of plastics Apple use are available in recycled form (yet).
Don't hold your breath for a solar-powered version ...
11 June 2008 12:39am
It's long been known Apple is poor on the environment, but I thought they had started to clean up their act. The price is cheap so they'll sell a lot, however (in the US at least) they're still only available on one network and without a contract the price is still going to be huge. I hope in a couple of years Apple will be a leader in environmentally conscious design. Then again people said that two years ago...
11 June 2008 03:55pm
Okay I stand corrected. They do have a recycling scheme and while it's not perfect, you have to go to a store yourself, it is better than other manufacturers. I think Apple, with all the talent there, could make their products greener to begin with though.
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