Does the iPhone XR come with AirPods? Here's what comes in the box

The iPhone XR hit stores in late 2018, but it's still a viable option. If you're looking for an Apple smartphone with a big battery and Face ID for a fair price, you can't really do better — at least until the iPhone 13 arrives later this year. But for now, the iPhone XR is a great deal. So what comes in the box? And does the iPhone XR come with AirPods? Here's everything you need to know.

iPhone XR specs and features

The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch display. It packs the latest A12 Bionic processor, capable of performing super-fast artificial intelligence calculations, while the upgraded camera uses the same rear main camera as the XS and XS Max. It lacks the second rear camera and OLED screen as its larger siblings, but its cheaper price and larger screen make up for the compromise.

Apple bundles in a number of extras in the box, but these have dwindled over the years. Customers buying the original iPhone could expect to receive a dock in the box, but these add-ons have gradually left the included bundle. Here’s what you get instead:

iPhone XR box: Five-Watt Charging Adaptor

Apple surprised observers by including a five-watt power block. Rumors claimed the company may include an 18-watt brick instead, offering faster charging. While the iPhone XR supports fast charging from alternative blocks, the one in the box will offer the same speed as previous years. (This is also a nice perk considering the newest iPhones don't come with a power block at all.)

iPhone XR box: Lightning to USB Cable

The company is still using the same charging connector as on the iPhone 5 that launched in 2012. Although its Mac range has largely switched to the smaller, reversible, USB-C connector, this cable still uses the ubiquitous regular USB connector.

Does the iPhone XR come with AirPods?

Nope. Sorry, but Apple isn't just giving away AirPods to anyone. You need to buy them separately. The cheapest AirPods cost $159 and come with a standard, while $199 gets you a wireless charging case. The AirPods Pro cost $249.00 and feature Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode for when you want to hear what's happening around you, a new design, and enhanced audio.

However, you do get free EarPods with the iPhone XR. The iPhone hasn’t offered a headphone jack since the introduction of the iPhone 7 in 2016, and this model is no exception. These wired headphones plug into the phone’s charging port to offer simple access to music listening and other audio. Because they don’t have a standard 3.5mm connector, you’re basically limited to using them with the iPhone itself.

Note that these are not the same as the AirPods, the $159 wireless headphones that charge up through a dental-floss-shaped holder. While Apple was expected to introduce a new version of these at its September conference, the event came and went with no sign of them.

Also, note that Apple now does not offer a 3.5mm to Lightning dongle inside the box anymore. The $9 bit of wire enables users to plug in a broader range of headphones, using the same connector that first debuted back in the 1950s. Those without Bluetooth headphones, or those that don’t feel like using Apple’s bundled set, will have to fork over the extra to reconnect their headphones.