Most of thee existing Apple charging cubes are not USB-C. The cable included with the new phones is USB-C -> Lightning. So, the cable doesn't work with most existing chargers (unless you happen to also own an iPad Pro).
This is true and super annoying that they're doing it this way. However, it's not just iPad Pros that have compatible chargers. Anyone with a MacBook from the last several years (four?) can charge either via the computer or the wall plug (if they want to charge faster). Some people also have inductive chargers that they use, though this is probably a minority.
I won't be getting one of these phones, and I think the VZW/AT&T giveaway is garbage. But I don't mind not having another power brick for my next phone. I already have plenty of lightning cables sitting around and ways to plug them in.
Then why include the cable? Save a few more whales and leave it out as well.
If I were king... the phone would be sold “bare”, but for $30 less. If somebody needs a charger or cable, they can use that $30 to buy one. Instead, Apple remove the charger, includes a cable not compatible with most iPhone owner’s existing chargers, increased the price $30, and tell me it’s to save the planet? GTFO.
(Really, I’m not nearly as annoyed as I probably sound, I just hate the inconsistency)
Most people hold onto their laptops for longer than they go between phone upgrades. And many (most? all?) laptop manufactures have USB-C ports on their devices these days, all of which can be used to charge your phone.
I won't be getting one of these phones, and I think the VZW/AT&T giveaway is garbage. But I don't mind not having another power brick for my next phone. I already have plenty of lightning cables sitting around and ways to plug them in.