A report by Ming Chi-Kuo indicates that Apple might not include EarPods with its iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro series devices this year. The move appears to be an effort to nudge consumers towards buying AirPods Pro and the upcoming AirPods Studio headphones.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/First-the-headphone-jack-now-EarPods-report-suggests-Apple-might-not-include-free-EarPods-with-iPhone-12-and-12-Pro-series-devices-to-nudge-consumers-towards-AirPods-Pro-and-AirPods-Studio.466074.0.html