iPhone 16e Product Environmental Report

Progress toward our 2030 goal

• More than 30% recycled content¹
• Over 30% of manufacturing electricity sourced from supplier low-carbon energy projects²

Packaging

• 100% fiber-based, due to efforts to remove plastic in packaging⁵
• 100% recycled or responsibly sourced wood fibers⁶

Smarter chemistry³

• ? Arsenic-free glass
• ? Mercury-free
• ? Brominated flame retardant-free
• ? PVC-free

Recovery

Return your device through Apple Trade In—at a retail store or online—and Apple will give it a new life or recycle it for free.

Longevity

iPhone 16e features Ceramic Shield as well as IP68 water and dust resistance that enhance durability.⁴

Supplier Code of Conduct

Through the Apple Supplier Code of Conduct, Apple sets strict standards for safeguarding people and the environment in its supply chain.

iPhone 16e contains more than 30% recycled content

This report includes data current as of product launch. Product evaluations are based on U.S. configuration of iPhone 16e.

⁷ Product carbon footprint calculations include in-box accessories as well as packaging.

Progress toward carbon neutral

Apple has reduced emissions for iPhone 16e 128GB by more than 30 percent against its business-as-usual scenario as modeled by Apple.⁸ This product contains over 30 percent recycled content, including 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, which reduced total product emissions for this configuration by about 10 percent. Apple is working with its suppliers to transition to 100 percent low-carbon electricity for Apple production. The low-carbon electricity solutions that suppliers have already implemented to date have reduced product emissions by about 25 percent. In carbon footprint calculations, Apple also accounts for the emissions necessary to generate renewable electricity, specifically to manufacture and maintain renewable energy infrastructure, like wind and solar farms.

For the product carbon footprint of alternate configurations, please see the Carbon Footprint section of the report.

Carbon Footprint Breakdown (iPhone 16e 128GB)

Baseline emissions: 75 kg CO2e
Materials and process emissions: 48 kg CO2e
Electricity for manufacturing: (Includes low-carbon electricity)
Electricity for product use:
Transportation:

Emissions reductions: 26 kg CO2e (from Recycled and low-carbon materials⁹)
Total product emissions: 48 kg CO2e

(Diagram Description: A visual representation showing baseline emissions, emissions reductions from recycled/low-carbon materials, and the breakdown of total product emissions into materials/process, manufacturing electricity, product use electricity, and transportation. The total product emissions are 48 kg CO2e, with 26 kg reduction from recycled/low-carbon materials, starting from a baseline of 75 kg.)

Taking responsibility for our products at every stage

Apple takes responsibility for its products throughout their life cycles—including the materials they are made of, the people who assemble them, and how they are recycled at end of life. Apple focuses on areas where it can make the biggest difference for the planet: reducing its impact on climate change, conserving important resources, and using safer materials.

With millions of products sold, even small adjustments can have a meaningful impact.

• Reuse products through Apple Trade In and maximize material recovery at end of life
• Design and Source: Maximize the use of recycled content and responsibly source primary materials
• Make: Uphold high standards of labor and human rights, health and safety, and minimizing environmental impact
• Use: Minimize emissions from product use, enhance product longevity, and seek to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals
• Package and Ship: Remove plastic from packaging and minimize emissions from transportation

Design and Source

iPhone 16e contains more than 30 percent recycled content.¹

To conserve important resources, Apple works to reduce the material it uses and aims to one day source only recycled or renewable materials for its products. As this transition is made, Apple remains committed to the responsible sourcing of primary materials. Apple is recognized as a worldwide leader in the responsible sourcing of minerals in its products. Apple maps many materials, some to the mineral source, and establishes the strictest standards for smelters and refiners. Apple also requires all identified tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold, cobalt, and lithium smelters and refiners to participate in third-party audits.¹¹ By the end of 2025, Apple plans to use 100 percent recycled cobalt in all Apple-designed batteries,¹² 100 percent recycled tin soldering and 100 percent recycled gold plating in all Apple-designed rigid and flexible printed circuit boards, and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets. Product designs also consider the safety of those who make, use, and recycle products, restricting the use of hundreds of harmful substances. Apple's standards go beyond what's required by law to protect people and the environment.

Material Breakdown:

• Aluminum: 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure.
• Glass: 10 percent recycled glass in the back glass.
• Plastic: 50 percent or more recycled plastic in 15 components. Also, 25 percent recycled content in the antenna lines made from upcycled plastic bottles.
• Tin: 100 percent recycled tin in the solder of all Apple-designed printed circuit boards.
• Cobalt: 100 percent recycled cobalt in the battery.¹²
• Gold: 100 percent recycled gold wire in all cameras and 100 percent recycled gold in the plating of all Apple-designed printed circuit boards, the USB-C connector, and multiple custom and standard small parts.
• Rare earth elements: 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, representing 96 percent of the total rare earth elements in the device.
• Tungsten: 100 percent recycled tungsten in the Taptic Engine. This represents 98 percent of the total tungsten in the device.
• Copper: 100 percent recycled copper in multiple printed circuit boards, 100 percent recycled copper wire in the Taptic Engine, and 100 percent recycled copper foil and wire in the inductive charger.
• Lithium: 100 percent recycled lithium in the battery cathode.¹³ This represents more than 95 percent of the total lithium in the battery.
• Steel: 80 percent or more recycled steel in multiple components, including the back glass support plate, speaker, and multiple small parts.

Smarter chemistry

iPhone 16e is free of harmful substances like brominated flame retardants, PVC, phthalates, arsenic in glass, and mercury.³ 100 percent of the materials in iPhone 16e are covered by Apple's Regulated Substances Specification. Apple goes beyond what's required by aiming to understand the non-regulated substances in every part of every product—an effort that requires an industry-leading level of transparency through the entire supply chain. Apple consistently identifies the makeup of over 80 percent by mass of iPhone 16e devices.

Make

The Apple Supplier Code of Conduct sets strict standards for safeguarding people and the environment in Apple's supply chain. Every year, Apple assesses its suppliers' performance in upholding the standards required by its Code.

Apple works closely with its suppliers to provide safe and healthy workplaces where people are treated with dignity and respect, and to reduce suppliers' environmental impact. Apple's requirements apply across its supply chain and include the responsible sourcing of materials. From the strong foundation set by its Code, Apple goes further—from helping suppliers transition to low-carbon electricity, to providing educational opportunities, to supporting suppliers in reducing waste. For more information, see apple.com/supplychain.

Smarter chemicals

All established iPhone 16e final assembly supplier sites use safer cleaners and degreasers in their manufacturing processes, as determined by methodologies like the GreenScreen® assessment.¹⁴

Zero Waste to Landfill

No established iPhone 16e final assembly supplier sites generate any waste sent to landfill.¹⁵

Supplier energy use

Over 30 percent of manufacturing electricity is sourced from supplier low-carbon energy projects, supported by Apple's Supplier Clean Energy Program.²

Package and Ship

100% of the packaging⁵ is fiber-based, as part of Apple's commitment to remove plastic from packaging by the end of 2025.

iPhone 16e packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and contains no plastic except for inks, coatings, and adhesives, a milestone toward Apple's commitment to remove plastic from packaging by the end of 2025.⁵

Apple is working to improve its packaging across all products, including removing plastics, increasing recycled content, and reducing the volume of its packaging. iPhone 16e packaging contains 60 percent recycled content, and Apple has protected or established enough responsibly managed forests to cover all the new wood fiber used in its packaging.⁶ This ensures working forests are able to regrow and continue to clean the air and purify water.

Apple redesigned the iPhone 16e packaging to be smaller and more efficient than the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus boxes, reducing the overall volume by 12 percent. This smaller size increases the total number of boxes that can fit onto select pallets, meaning more phones can be shipped in fewer journeys.¹⁶

Use

iPhone 16e uses 60 percent less energy than the energy efficiency standard.¹⁸

Apple designs its products to be energy efficient, long-lasting, and safe. iPhone 16e uses software and power-efficient components that intelligently manage power consumption. Apple also runs its own Reliability and Environmental Testing Labs, where products go through rigorous testing before they leave the facilities. Apple's support continues throughout each product's life cycle, with regular software updates to keep devices current. Apple has also expanded access to safe, reliable, and secure repairs by increasing the number of Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs).

To address emissions tied to the electricity products use, Apple is building low-carbon energy projects and engaging with customers to educate and provide opportunities to support the decarbonization of the grid.

Designed to last

iPhone 16e features Ceramic Shield as well as IP68 water and dust resistance that enhance durability.⁴

Made with smarter chemistry

Apple applies rigorous controls for materials users touch—all based on recommendations from toxicologists and dermatologists.

Recover

For more information on how to recycle products at end of life, visit: apple.com/recycle

Return your product with Apple Trade In, in store or online, and Apple will ensure it has a long life or recycle it for free.

Apple designs its products to be durable so they are used longer. Apple wants the materials in its products to live on in other products. This is why Apple launched Apple Trade In—it provides customers with product end-of-life options. With Apple Trade In, customers can get a great value for their current device and apply it toward a new one or get an Apple Store Gift Card. If a device isn't eligible for credit, Apple will recycle it for free through product take-back and recycling collection programs.¹⁹ Even after a product reaches the end of its life, the materials within it can serve the next generation of products. Apple provides or participates in product take-back and recycling collection programs in 99 percent of the countries where it sells products. Apple works with best-in-class recyclers to maximize the potential of the recycling materials stream and drive its efforts to close the loop on key materials. Best-in-class recyclers are defined as those capable of recovering materials at high rates and doing so with better environmental and safety performance.

Apple is also creating Apple Recycler Guides to provide guidance for professional electronics recyclers on how to safely disassemble Apple products to maximize recovery of resources. The guides provide valuable insight into the steps for recycling and locations of materials in the products.

Definitions

Bio-based plastics:

Bio-based plastics are made from biological sources rather than from fossil-fuel sources. Bio-based plastics allow Apple to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Carbon footprint:

Estimated emissions are calculated in accordance with guidelines and requirements as specified by ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 14067. There is inherent uncertainty in modeling carbon emissions due primarily to data limitations. For the top component contributors to Apple's carbon emissions, Apple addresses this uncertainty by developing detailed process-based environmental models with Apple-specific parameters. For the remaining elements of Apple's carbon footprint, Apple relies on industry average data and assumptions. Apple calculates carbon emissions using the 100-year time horizon global warming potentials (GWP100) from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), including biogenic carbon. Apple's carbon footprint calculation includes emissions for the following life cycle phases in CO2 equivalency (CO2e):

• Production: Includes the extraction, production, and transportation of raw materials, as well as the manufacture, transport, and assembly of all parts and product packaging.
• Transport: Includes ground, air, and sea transportation of the finished product and its associated packaging from manufacturing site directly to customers or regional distribution hubs.
• Use: Apple assumes a three-year period for power use by first owners for iOS and watchOS devices and a four-year period for macOS, iPadOS, and tvOS devices. Product use scenarios are based on historical customer use data for similar products. Energy use is simulated in various ways; for example, by modeling daily battery drain or through performing activities like movie and music playback. Geographic differences in the power grid mix have been accounted for at a regional level.
• End-of-life processing: Includes transportation from collection hubs to recycling centers and the energy used in mechanical separation and shredding of parts.

For more information on Apple's product carbon footprint methodology, visit apple.com/environment/answers.

Low-carbon electricity:

Refers to both renewable electricity as well as other fossil-free projects that Apple considers "low-carbon" but not "renewable," like nuclear and large-impact hydroelectricity projects, which may be included as a result of low-carbon electricity provided by the grid. Apple accounts for the carbon impact of building and operating these projects, and so considers them to be low-carbon but not zero-carbon.

Low-carbon materials:

Refers to materials created using production techniques with reduced carbon impact, such as Elysis (a patented technology that eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions from the traditional aluminum smelting process) or aluminum smelted using hydroelectricity instead of coal.

Recycled materials:

Recycling makes better use of finite resources by sourcing from recovered rather than mined materials. Recycled content claims for materials used in Apple products have been verified by an independent third party to a recycled content standard that conforms to ISO 14021.

Renewable materials:

Apple defines bio-materials as those that can be regenerated in a human lifespan, like wood fibers or sugarcane. Bio-materials can help Apple use fewer finite resources. But even though bio-materials have the ability to regrow, they are not always managed responsibly. Renewable materials are a type of bio-material managed in a way that enables continuous production without depleting the earth's resources. That's why Apple focuses on sources that are certified for their management practices.

Supplier Clean Energy Program:

Since the electricity used to make Apple products is the largest contributor to Apple's overall carbon footprint, Apple is helping its suppliers decarbonize their Apple production, including by transitioning electricity use to 100 percent renewable sources.

Carbon footprint

Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology in accordance with ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067 standards and based on iPhone 16e 128GB.¹⁰ The LCA boundary for this product includes the physical product and all of its components, as well as all in-box accessories (such as power cords).

Note: Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.

Apple has also calculated the product carbon footprint for different configurations:

Apple models different configurations of its products to show the potential range of carbon emissions. This carbon footprint data is accurate as of launch. There is inherent uncertainty in modeling carbon emissions due primarily to data limitations. For the top component contributors to Apple's carbon emissions, Apple addresses this uncertainty by developing detailed process-based environmental models with Apple-specific parameters. For the remaining elements of Apple's carbon footprint, Apple relies on industry-average data and assumptions.

For more information on Apple's product carbon footprint methodology, visit apple.com/environment/answers.

Endnotes

1. Product recycled or renewable content is the mass of certified recycled material relative to the overall mass of the device, not including packaging or in-box accessories.
2. Apple estimates the percentage of electricity-related emissions in its manufacturing that is sourced from low-carbon electricity by attributing to its carbon model low-carbon energy procured by its suppliers in the prior fiscal year, based on the supplier manufacturing allocations at time of product launch. This calculation assesses the suppliers for iPhone 16e. Included in this number is only low-carbon electricity that Apple or its suppliers have procured as part of Apple's Supplier Clean Energy Program.
3. Apple's Regulated Substances Specification describes Apple's restrictions on the use of certain chemical substances in materials in Apple products, accessories, manufacturing processes, and packaging used for shipping products to Apple's end customers. Restrictions are derived from international laws or directives, regulatory agencies, eco-label requirements, environmental standards, and Apple policies. Every Apple product is free of PVC and phthalates except for AC power cords in India, Thailand (for 2-prong AC power cords), and South Korea, where Apple continues to seek government approval for its PVC and phthalates replacement. Apple products comply with the European Union Directive 2011/65/EU and its amendments, including exemptions for the use of lead such as high-temperature solder. Apple is working to phase out the use of these exempted substances for new products where technically possible.
4. iPhone 16e is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
5. Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from our calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.
6. For more information about Apple's work to protect and create responsibly managed forests, please read its Environmental Progress Report.
7. iPhone 16e achieved a Gold rating in the United States and Canada, in accordance with IEEE 1680.1 or UL 110, and is listed as such on the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Registry. EPEAT registers computers, displays, and mobile phones based on environmental requirements in these standards. For more information, visit www.epeat.net.
8. Carbon reductions are calculated against a product-specific business-as-usual scenario as modeled by Apple: 1) No use of clean electricity for manufacturing or product use, beyond what is already available on the latest modeled grid (based on regional emissions factors). 2) Apple's carbon intensity of key materials as of 2015 (Apple's baseline year for its 2030 product carbon neutrality goal). Carbon intensity of materials reflects use of recycled content and production technology. 3) Apple's average mix of transportation modes (air, rail, ocean, ground) by product line and by region across three years (fiscal years 2017 to 2019) to best capture the baseline transportation emissions of Apple's products.
9. Apple calculates emissions savings from the use of recycled or low-carbon materials in its products by comparing the carbon intensity of key materials today with their 2015 baseline for Apple products or using industry average data. Apple currently only quantifies the carbon savings from the use of recycled aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel in the enclosure, as well as recycled lithium, cobalt, tungsten, and gold in select parts for select products. This means the actual emissions avoided from recycled materials are likely larger. Apple plans to improve its accounting of recycled content over time.
10. Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using a life cycle assessment methodology in accordance with ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067 standards and based on iPhone 16e 128GB. The life cycle assessment boundary for this product includes the physical product and all of its components and packaging, as well as all in-box accessories.
11. Apple maps materials in its supply chain and publishes a list of identified tin, tantalum, tungsten, gold (3TG), cobalt, and lithium smelters and refiners in its supply chain. Third-party assessments seek to confirm sourcing practices and are part of Apple's responsible sourcing program. In addition, Apple's efforts consider a broad range of risks, including social, environmental, human rights, and governance risks.
12. All cobalt in the battery claims or references use mass balance allocation.
13. Lithium in the battery claims use mass balance allocation.
14. Chemicals that meet GreenScreen® benchmark 3 or 4 or other equivalent methodologies like U.S. EPA Safer Choice are considered safer and preferred for use. GreenScreen® is a comprehensive hazard assessment tool that evaluates substances against 18 different criteria. For more information, visit www.greenscreenchemicals.org.
15. All established final assembly supplier sites—those that have been Apple suppliers for more than one year—for iPhone 16e are third-party verified as Zero Waste by UL LLC (UL 2799 Standard). UL requires at least 90 percent diversion through methods other than waste to energy to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill (Silver 90–94 percent, Gold 95–99 percent, and Platinum 100 percent) designations.
16. This increase in boxes that can fit onto a pallet excludes pallets shipped to the following locations: U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Canada.
17. Responsible sourcing of wood fiber is defined in Apple's Responsible Fiber Specification. Apple considers wood fibers to include bamboo.
18. Efficiency performance is based on the U.S. Department of Energy Federal Energy Conservation Standards for Battery Chargers. Please note that ENERGY STAR does not certify smartphone devices. Energy efficiency terms: The energy efficiency values are based on the following conditions.
    • Power adapter, no-load: Condition in which the Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter with the USB-C to Lightning Cable (1m) is connected to AC power, but not connected to iPhone.
    • Power adapter efficiency: Average of the 20W USB-C Power Adapter with the USB-C Charge Cable (1 m) measured efficiency when tested at 100 percent, 75 percent, 50 percent, and 25 percent of the power adapter's rated output current.

    Mode	Power adapter, no-load	Power adapter efficiency
    100V	0.04W	87.49%
    115V	0.04W	88.06%
    230V	0.04W	87.81%

19. Trade-in values vary based on the condition, year, and configuration of your trade-in device, and may also vary between online and in-store trade-in. You must be at least 18 years old. In-store trade-in requires presentation of a valid, government-issued photo ID (local law may require saving this information). Additional terms from Apple or Apple's trade-in partners may apply.