Apple’s World Travel Adapter Kit is a collection of plugs to replace the North American “duck head”-style plug to allow the use Apple’s various power adapters in power outlets in other countries, including: North America, Japan, China, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil.
Apple notes that: “The kit is designed to work with iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Mac notebooks. It is compatible with Apple USB-C Power Adapters, MagSafe, MagSafe 2, and MagSafe 3 Power Adapters, 10W and 12W USB Power Adapters, and Portable Power Adapters.”
The kit works with a wide variety of Apple products, including, “iPod, iPhone, iPad, and Mac notebooks. It is compatible with Apple USB-C Power Adapters, MagSafe, MagSafe 2, and MagSafe 3 Power Adapters, 10W and 12W USB Power Adapters, and Portable Power Adapters.” The plugs are laser-etched with the regions in which they are designed to be used.
Apple’s product code for this boxed collection is MB974ZM/B.
This USB-C Power Adapter is compatible with Apple laptops that charge using USB-C. It measures 4.21 x 4.21 x 1.28 inches and weighs 9.5 ounces. Apple’s product code is MKU63AM/A for this device. According to the product specifications:
“Apple recommends pairing this power adapter with your 13-inch MacBook Pro (2016 and later) or your 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Pro chip 8-core CPU.”
Compatible devices include: MacBook Air (15-inch, M2, 2023), MacBook Air (13-inch, M2, 2022), MacBook Air (13-inch, M1, 2020), MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2020), MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018–2019), MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023), MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021), MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022), MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016–2019), MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015–2017).
Like most Apple power adapters, this one uses the North American “duck head” hinged plug that can be swapped with the power plugs used in other countries.
This box is an example of 2002-era packaging design for Apple accessories. This particular item is the Apple 65W Portable Power Adapter. The box indicates that it was:
“Compatible with PowerBook G4 computers and iBook computers that have two USB ports.”
The box uses the Apple Myriad font during the year Apple was transitioning away from using Apple Garamond in their corporate identity. The box measures 150cm x 190cm x 55cm.
The box contains the original adapter, but none of the internal cardboard packaging.
The Black Unity Apple Watch Sport Band was part of an effort during the first time Apple referred to a product as part of a “collection”—in this case, to celebrate Black History Month in 2021. According to a press release:
“To celebrate Black History Month, Apple is bringing customers a variety of new and updated collections and exclusive content that highlight and amplify Black creators, artists, developers, and businesses. From curated features across the App Store, Apple Music, the Apple TV app, Apple Books, and Apple Podcasts, to new Apple Maps Guides, the Apple Watch Black Unity Collection, Today at Apple sessions, and more, here is a look at what is in store across Apple’s products and services this February.”
The Apple Watch Black Unity Collection included three elements: “a limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6, the Black Unity Sport Band, and a Unity watch face.” In this example, the Black Unity Apple Watch Sport Band is paired with an Apple Watch Series 7 in silver stainless steel.
Apple described the Black Unity Sport Band:
“Designed by Black creatives and allies throughout Apple to celebrate and acknowledge Black history and culture, the Black Unity Sport Band is inspired by the colors of the Pan-African flag and pays homage to the rich tradition and craft of quilt-making. Three individual pieces of colored fluoroelastomer are assembled by hand and compression-molded as one. Complemented by the dynamic Unity watch face, which displays an ever-changing pattern of irregular shapes as Apple Watch moves, these colors are brought together in a unique tapestry. The innovative pin-and-tuck closure is laser-etched with ‘Truth. Power. Solidarity.'”
During this effort, Apple reported that they would support six global organizations to “help advance their missions in promoting and achieving equality and civil rights in the US and around the world: Black Lives Matter Support Fund via the Tides Foundation; European Network Against Racism; International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights; Leadership Conference Education Fund; NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.; and Souls Grown Deep.”
Apple’s 30W USB-C Power Adapter may be used to charge and/or power iPhone, iPad, and Mac models that use a USB-C port or Lighting cable with a USB-C plug. Apple describes the adapter:
“The Apple 30W USB‑C Power Adapter offers fast, efficient charging at home, in the office, or on the go. While the power adapter is compatible with any USB‑C–enabled device, Apple recommends pairing it with the 13-inch MacBook Air with Retina display for optimal charging performance. You can also pair it with select iPhone and iPad Pro models to take advantage of the fast-charging feature.”
This quad-fold brochure from 1996 is titled “An Overview of Apple Products” with the subtitle “Choosing the system that’s right for you.” The opening 2-panel spread is an overview of the brochure with the headline “Apple Macintosh: Ease-of-use, power, compatibility, and multimedia.”
Fully unfolded, the brochure reveals 4-panel spreads that alternate between a photo featuring a product and overview, followed by a spread with a product specifications grid. The sections include: Macintosh Performa and Power Macintosh Computers, Macintosh PowerBook Computers, Displays and Printers, and Apple Servers and Services.
The end pages of the brochure shift focus to discuss ways to use Apple products. Each category uses a four-panel spread and includes Communications, Multimedia, and Publishing. These last three sections include several Apple peripherals from the time, including the GeoPort Telecom Adapter Kit, the Newton MessagePad 130, AppleCD 600e/600i drives, AppleDesign Powered Speakers II, Apple ColorOne Scanners, and QuickTake 150 digital cameras.
Folded, this brochure measures 3.875 x 8.25 inches. I also have a similar version of this brochure from 1995 with product specifications from that year.
Apparently, 1996 was a major year for Apple to focus on the advantages of using a Macintosh over Windows. According to EveryMac, Apple released almost 50 different Macintosh models in 1996 year including 21 Performa models, 18 Power Macintosh models, six server products, two PowerBooks (1400 model), and the Newton 130.
These three “Macintosh advantage” resources used facts, quotes, and testimonials to highlight the pros of using a Macintosh.
50 Macintosh Advantages book (1996)
The book titled 50 Macintosh Advantages is unambiguously subtitled, “Why Macintosh computers are better than PCs running Windows 95.” The book is divided into four sections, including Ease of Use, Power, Advanced Multimedia, and Compatibility. Each of the 50 advantages begins with a statement and is followed by an explanation—and often includes a screen capture or other supporting visuals. Quotes and testimonials are also included throughout this two-color-printed book (printed in black and dark purple). The 50 advantages listed in the book (from the Table of Contents) include:
Floppy disk management is easier with Macintosh computers.
Checking memory is easier on a Macintosh.
Macintosh computers offer more flexible monitor support.
Changing your mouse is easier and faster on a Macintosh.
Macintosh menus scroll, so they’re easier to use than Windows 95 menus.
Macintosh supports plug-and-play peripherals today.
Macintosh computers are easier to network.
The Mac OS keeps track of files and applications over a network.
Infrared networking is more powerful and more versatile with Macintosh computers.
Macintosh makes Internet access and publishing easier.
Filename limitations.
Filename incompatibilities between Windows 95 and Windows 3.1.
Pathname limitations.
Macintosh files stay linked to the applications that created them with Windows 95, that isn’t always the case.
Macintosh aliases are easier to work with than Windows 95 shortcuts.
The complexity of the Windows 95 Registry is a disadvantage compared with Macintosh.
The Mac OS provides active assistance: Windows 95 doesn’t.
It’s easier to add fonts and other resources to a Macintosh.
It’s easier to add an application to the Apple menu than to the Windows 95 Start Programs menu.
Applications launch once on the Macintosh, with Windows 95, some applications may launch multiple times.
It’s easier to cut and paste graphics between applications on the Macintosh.
An advanced industrial design makes Macintosh computers easier to work with.
The Macintosh desktop metaphor is easier to use.
Macintosh re-sorts folders when you add a new item: Windows 95 doesn’t.
The Macintosh Trash is easier to use.
Easier security and customization with the Macintosh.
Macintosh has easier access to alternate character sets.
Macintosh computers are faster.
The Macintosh speed advantage will increase.
Macintosh offers 32-bit computing today, PCs don’t.
With the RISC-based platform, Macintosh computers are better equipped to run more powerful applications.
Macintosh has integrated scripting.
Macintosh computers include features that cost extra on PCs.
Macintosh is the world’s most popular platform for multimedia.
It’s easier to add CD-ROM drives to a Macintosh system.
Installing and using CD-ROM titles is easier with Macintosh computers.
Recording and playing back desktop video works better on Macintosh.
Videoconferencing is easier on the Macintosh.
Macintosh computers provide better representations of color on screen, and a better match between screen images and printed output.
It’s easier to cut and paste multimedia data on a Macintosh.
Macintosh is ahead of Windows 95 in speech capabilities.
Macintosh is much better at handling three-dimensional graphics.
Virtual-reality software is more realistic on the Macintosh.
Macintosh computers provide more sophisticated type and graphics capabilities.
You can buy a Macintosh and still be compatible with MS-DOS 6.2, Windows 3.1, and Windows 95.
You can work with Windows 95 files on your Macintosh.
You can run applications for the Mac OS, MS-DOS 6.2, and Windows 95 on a Macintosh.
Macintosh computers are compatible with applications for Windows 3.1 and Windows 95.
You can connect a Macintosh computer to almost any network.
Macintosh users are more satisfied with their computers.
This book measures 8.5 x 11 inches and has 54 pages.
Why do People Prefer Macintosh? brochure (1996)
The brochure Why do People Prefer Macintosh? is subtitled “Why people think Macintosh computers are better than PCs running Windows, in their own words.” This brochure uses many of the same “Macintosh advantages” from the source above, but presents them as case studies and testimonials by Macintosh users. Users are identified by name and state or country, and most include a photo.
This brochure measures 8.5 x 11 inches and has 35 pages.
Why Macintosh? brochure (1996)
This Why Macintosh? brochure is a marketing piece and presents bold, full-color spreads printed on glossy paper. On the first page, this brochure declares:
“More than 10 years after the debut of the Apple Macintosh computer, Microsoft released its Windows 95 operating system. But while Microsoft is just now adding to its Windows operating system features that Macintosh users have enjoyed since 1984, Apple has been busy moving Macintosh to the next generation of personal computing.”
The next four 2-page spreads each focus on an aspect of the Macintosh: Ease of Use, Power, Multimedia, and Compatibility.
This brochure measures 8.5 x 11 inches and has 12 pages.
The Black Unity Apple Watch was Apple’s first “limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6” and was described as being part of a collection including the watch, the Black Unity Sport Band, and a Unity watch face.
Apple described the Black Unity Watch: “Inspired by the colors of the Pan‑African flag, the Black Unity Collection celebrates a symbol that unites people across the African Diaspora. Apple supports organizations dedicated to advancing racial equity and justice.”
The Apple Watch Series 6 was nearly identical to the Series 5 models, but the Series 6 added some new internal features: faster chip, a new Blood Oxygen sensor (SpO2), and an altimeter that was always on. Like all previous Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch Series 6 uses a Digital Crown and a touch display. The screen is OLED at 368×448.
On Apple’s product page dedicated to the Black Unity Apple Watch, detailed information was provided about the design and symbolism behind the watch:
“Designed by Black creatives and allies throughout Apple to celebrate and acknowledge Black history and culture, the Black Unity Sport Band is inspired by the colors of the Pan-African flag and pays homage to the rich tradition and craft of quilt-making. Three individual pieces of colored fluoroelastomer are assembled by hand and compression-molded as one. Complemented by the dynamic Unity watch face, which displays an ever-changing pattern of irregular shapes as Apple Watch moves, these colors are brought together in a unique tapestry. The innovative pin-and-tuck closure is laser-etched with ‘Truth. Power. Solidarity.'”
Like Apple’s (PRODUCT)RED efforts to provide charitable donations in support of HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, Apple took this opportunity to show support for organizations dedicated to advancing racial equity and justice:
Black Lives Matter Support Fund via the Tides Foundation—The Black Lives Matter movement fuels campaigns for justice, combats and counters acts of violence, and creates space for Black imagination and innovation.
European Network Against Racism (ENAR)—ENAR, a pan-European anti-racism network, is the voice of the anti-racist movement in Europe.
International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights—The institute works to protect the human rights of marginalized and vulnerable people who suffer from discrimination.
Leadership Conference Education Fund—The Leadership Conference Education Fund promotes and protects civil and human rights and builds public education campaigns that empower and mobilize advocates around the United States.
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF)—LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice to fulfill the promise of equality for all Americans.
Souls Grown Deep—The partnership is dedicated to promoting the work of African American artists and supporting their communities by fostering economic empowerment, racial and social justice, and educational advancement.
This Apple 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter was designed for the MacBook Air laptops including MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2015–2017) and the MacBook Air (11-inch, Early 2015). It could be used with any Mac laptop with the MagSafe 2 adapter, but may not charge as optimally as power adapters with higher wattages.
Apple describes the power adapter:
“The 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter features a magnetic DC connector so if someone should trip over it, the cord disconnects harmlessly and your MacBook Air stays put safely. It also helps prevent fraying or weakening of the cables over time. In addition, the magnetic DC helps guide the plug into the system for a quick and secure connection.”
Further, “Designed to be the perfect traveling companion, the adapter has a clever design which allows the DC cable to be wound neatly around itself for easy cable storage.”
This particular 45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter is an Apple OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part. It ships in a cardboard box with black cardboard and clear plastic wraps instead of the white retail box.
In 2020 Apple made a major change to its iPhone 12 packaging when they stopped including Lightning headphones and a wall power “brick” charger in the box at the time of an iPhone purchase. With these items removed, Apple was able to reduce the size of the iPhone box and reduce the extra packaging associated with the headphones and charger. It was announced that the iPhone 12 would ship only with the phone and a USB-C-to-Lightning charging cable.
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, announced at an October 2020 Apple event, “Customers already have over 700 million Lightning headphones, and many customers have moved to a wireless experience with AirPods, Beats, or other wireless headphones. And there are also over 2 billion Apple power adapters out in the world, and that’s not counting the billions of third-party adapters. So we are removing these items from the iPhone box.”
With the iPhone 12 announcement, I was not at all expecting this packaging change to also affect older, but still manufactured iPhone models. At the time of the iPhone 12 release, Apple was still offering the iPhone XR as a lower-end and less expensive iPhone option. Surprisingly, the iPhone XR packaging was also reduced in size and shipped without the headphones and charger. Also, the cable was switched to a USB-C-to-Lightning, replacing the former USB-to-Lightning option.
While the change may contribute to some environmental benefits, the situation was not universally accepted as positive. Some critics noted that, “The move saves the company money, but some of the environmental benefits could be offset by people buying earbuds and chargers separately” (The Verge). From a practical standpoint, some users—namely enterprise, government, and school districts like mine—had not switched to USB-C when this decision was made. As Apple indicated, it is likely that most users likely already have more than one charger and at least one set of Lightning headphones.
The photos here represent my school district’s iPhone XR upgrade affected mid-stream—where iPhone XR models purchased before October 2020 used “classic” packaging, and devices purchased in late-October/November 2020 unexpectedly used the new packaging without an announcement or warning.
