Why Do We Save Our Apple Boxes? Apple Product Design

Admit it – we all have a stockpile of Apple boxes that we keep “just in case”. But we rarely hold on to other product boxes with the same dedication. So, why is that? Why do we save our Apple boxes? 

Recently, when I was cleaning up my apartment, I came across a problem – I have TOO many boxes of Apple products. The number is even embarrassing to say out loud. I still own the box of an iPad that isn’t even mine anymore. I don’t need to keep it. I would’ve understood if I also kept the other hundreds of boxes of the products in my house. But that’s not the case. So, why do I still own them? Why do I feel bad about throwing them away? Why does it hold value?

The reality is that I don’t need that iPad box anymore. I don’t need the box my current MacBook came in, either. And yet, here I am, keeping them “just in case”! But this is not only a me problem. I’ve seen a lot of people doing the same. In fact, our main photo represents a wall of Apple boxes. That's amazing!!

‍

‍

It all came to light when an X (ex-Twitter) thread exploded – like it seriously exploded, it has over 600k likes. X (ex-Twitter) user @Bisserat tweeted: “I don’t know who needs to hear this but throw away that box your iPhone came in. You don’t need it. You will never need it.”. And while I felt attacked reading this, I was relieved that I wasn’t the only one. After this, thousands of other people started posting their Apple packaging along with the #TeamKeepTheBox.

Indeed, people collect many things. Vinyl records, shells, stamps, coins – everything you can think of. It turns out Apple boxes are one of them. Some might not even realize it until they have to do a deep clean. So, the question still stands – Why? Are the boxes so beautiful that we don’t want to throw them away? Or maybe it’s because they keep them as part of the entire Apple experience? Or perhaps it’s because they want to keep it for future uses? 

Some people simply choose to save the original packaging so that they can resell their Apple products down the line. And it makes sense! After all, throwing away the box can decrease the resale value of the specific product. Often, devices in the original Apple box command a higher resale price than those without. Some buyers are even willing to pay a premium price for a complete package that provides them with the whole Apple experience. 

Even more so, if you frequently upgrade to the latest Apple products, having the original packaging adds value to the trade-in process. Generally, retailers and online marketplaces often offer a better trade-in deal for the devices with all their original components. 

While scrolling through the thousands of tweets under the #TeamKeepTheBox hashtag, I even saw someone share their unique reason for holding onto these boxes. They tweeted that they save their original iPhone boxes so that they can troll their kids on Christmas morning. But it all ties to what Apple has achieved throughout the years. 

With the rise in consumerism, it might seem counterintuitive that we keep the packaging they came in. After all, we’re used to using them and throwing everything away. But the situation is so much different when it comes to Apple products. Their product designers are actual geniuses! And it’s all because the brand is much more than just a product. It’s the user experience. It’s because when we think of Apple, we immediately think of innovation and the good feeling we get when receiving or buying an Apple product.

And the packaging is not just a protective shell – the box the product came in. No. It’s much more than this! When it comes to Apple products, its box is the extension of the user experience and the brand in itself. These boxes have a certain timeless quality to them which were carefully crafted by their product designers. It can actually help to take a look at the design process behind the famous devices. And they are a tangible representation of the investment you've made in a premium product. 

But these Apple boxes are also associated with a sense of nostalgia. Many of us hold onto these boxes as souvenirs, as they mark many milestones in our lives. I still have the box from my very first iPhone. And you know what? I still own the box that the first iPhone I bought with my own money as well. Of course, I’m holding onto these boxes. The devices might’ve become obsolete, but the boxes are the proof. 

However, these are attributes that I’ve associated with the boxes over time. When we initially bought our Apple products, we likely didn’t give much thought to these aspects. And yet, we still decided not to throw it away. So, the question remains – why?

It all comes down to the psychology of design. And Apple has mastered both  product design and its packaging design. 

All companies invest in their product design – that’s normal. But rarely do they also invest in packaging design. But Apple did! For most of us, what made everyone save their Apple boxes is that they are not just simple cardboard containers that the devices came in. They are part of the Apple product design. And they look just as good as the products. 

We all know that Apple products serve as a social status symbol. But it’s not just the product in itself. But so is the packaging. In fact, it is intentionally designed to complement the Apple device, contributing to the overall premium image that Apple products display. 

Every detail is carefully considered in the Apple product design. From the box size and weight to the soft texture of the box, which feels satisfying to the touch, and even how the products are organized inside the box. Even the text on the packaging makes you feel good about owning an iPhone or a MacBook. Apple’s focus on a modern but still minimalistic packaging design reflects the experience that the users will feel when they use the products as well.

Apple’s packaging design is a masterful blend of functionality, emotion, and aesthetics. It is the art of mastering the design process. And it all ties in with Apple’s entire brand. In fact, Apple’s design philosophy – which emphasizes simplicity, utility, and aesthetics – extends to every aspect of its products, including the packaging. 

As a UI UX designer, this whole experience reinforces the impact of design on our lives. It’s a testament that great design is more than aesthetics. It’s about creating something that resonates with people on a deeper level. So, maybe keeping my collection of Apple boxes is not so weird after all. 

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs.

‍

We at uinkits understand the importance of inputs in great user experiences and creating amazing UI designs. That’s why we’ve developed a Figma UI Kit with design components that include these essential UI elements that enable you to design intuitive and user-friendly interfaces effortlessly.  

“You press the button, we do the rest,” – Kodak.

Inspired by this iconic tagline from Kodak, we believe in simplifying the design process for you. Our Figma UI Kit, uinkits, is a complete design system with UI components that allows you, as a UI UX designer, to create your products as quickly as pressing a button.

Our design system includes components, icons, variables, cards, buttons, and everything you need for your design process. All you have to do is take your UI design component needed, and you’re ready to use it in your designs!