Apple Packaging: Which Packaging Do They Use?

As a collective, we must respect Apple’s packaging. There is meticulous attention to detail in the presentation and cushioning of each product.

Even with 56.5 million iPhones shipping in the first quarter of 2022, Apple’s attention to packaging is admirable.

When you own a business, you want your customers to enjoy the same unboxing experience. Ideally, you want your product to be seen as elite. But how do you get Apple-like packaging?

In this guide, I will look at Apple’s excellent packaging, what makes it unique and sustainable, and how you can mirror Apple’s customer experience.

Why Apple’s Packaging is so Premium

It’s no secret that Apple products like the iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, and MacBook are sleek and stylish.

For example, an Apple Watch’s packaging demonstrates the company’s minimalist philosophy and premium feel.

Despite its simplicity, the packaging mirrors the sophistication of the product within. Apple products are known for their light, intelligent, and interconnected packaging. Also, they are pretty expensive.

The packaging of their products resonates with their products, which is no surprise. The packaging of a luxury brand is expected to be premium, and Apple does not disappoint.

How does Apple accomplish this? Almost everything about Apple’s packaging is handled by dedicated teams, from conception and design to quality control and testing.

They put a lot of detail into every aspect of their packaging, which assures customers that their product is of high quality.

The unboxing experience can still be similar to that of Apple for small or medium-sized businesses that do not have Apple’s budget to hire such large teams.

Apple Uses Rigid Boxes

Apple uses some of the highest-quality rigid boxes on the market. Using only high-quality materials and paying close attention to detail ensures that their products are always well-protected and deliver the best first impression possible.

The iPhone and MacBook, among other Apple products, are packaged in full-cover rigid boxes with lids and bases.

When opening a box, many notices how the lid glides slowly and smoothly off the base. As you pull the lid away from the box, it slowly opens, creating an excitement-building unboxing experience. 

Apple has meticulously designed its box structure for a slow, exciting unboxing experience. The Apple team has crafted an unboxing experience that can only be achieved with Apple’s resources.

For easy identification, the packaging is usually black or white with an image of the product printed on it. To enhance the feeling, most of these images are embossed. As a final touch, Apple’s boxes are finished with a beautiful matte finish.

Apple has years of experience in manufacturing and packaging, which means they can use their expertise to design the best boxes.

Apple’s packaging has become an iconic example in the packaging industry because it is appealing, functional, and durable.

The design of Apple’s boxes is well thought out, but what about the contents? You will learn about the pulp inlay in the next section, which most people overlook.

What is a Pulp Inlay?

In simple words, “pulp inlay” is a term used in packaging, but what does it mean? Well, think of it as a paper tray made from fibers that holds your products securely. You can see a common example of this in egg cartons, which use pulp inlay to protect and hold the eggs in place.

Creating these pulp inlays might seem simple, but there’s much more to it than that. The final shape of the inlay is determined by the mold used to create the pulp inlay.

How much does a mold cost? Although we are still determining how much Apple pays for them, a single mold could cost as much as USD 4000 (without considering how much it costs to produce these units).

Pulp inlays have the characteristic of not being malleable or flexible. The shape can only be changed after it is designed, so brands must design their packaging around the pulp inlay.

An excellent example is ensuring that the box in which the lay sits is the right size for the inlay. Even a 1-2mm change in size or design would require a new mold and additional mold fees.

With Apple’s inlays, everything from the iPhone to the AirPods is contained within its tray, which is precisely designed and molded to serve as the perfect bed for the products. 

The noteworthy point is that, unlike paper or foam inserts, the inlay doesn’t secure the product. However, Apple has done a great job ensuring its products won’t move around.

First, they make it possible by placing instructions on top of their products. Second, by designing the box lid to be precisely the right size. So that when closed, the products are securely held in place by the lid pressing down into the pulp inlay. The attention to detail is fantastic!

While Apple’s pulp inlay is recyclable and premium, it is one of the most expensive options available – considerably more expensive than the cheapest alternatives.

Although Apple’s pulp inlays are much sought after by many brands, they come at a much higher price than standard box inserts and have other tradeoffs.

How to Order Custom Packaging Like Apple’s

Whether you want Apple-style packaging or something similar poses the question: do you want Apple-style packaging?

In most cases, the answer is no, unless your business has the budget to invest in high-quality packaging like Apple.

A luxurious unboxing experience is possible with rigid boxes, such as magnetic closure rigid boxes. Rather than pulp inlays, choose custom box inserts made from paperboard, cardboard, or foam to make your products look beautiful while transported.

You can easily replicate the Apple-like unboxing experience with Elite Custom Boxes, a packaging company that offers affordable solutions for creating the best unboxing experience possible.

Let’s get started! Take your packaging to the next level with our range of products.