Q: Can the inserts in Apple shipping boxes be removed

Open the box carefully at both ends (at a seam which you can then tape shut) and push them out.

Sorry - don't have an iPhone; the stuff in every other device box has always been easily removable.

If I were running the packaging zoo, I would likely use a "hot glue" solution as cheap and effective

Try a hair dryer on the apparent glue points?

I am slow too, but I am old

I am just trying to think outside the "box" (pun intended)

Consider and artist's X-ACTO knife (razor blade shaped like a scalpel) - likely available at office supply store

You would "cut" either the insert or package material VERY thinly close to the glue "gob"

Ta Da!

Hail, hail, the gangs all here! (What the heck do we care? what the heck do we care?)