Apple moves to USB-C port for charging and data transfer is almost guaranteed with the iPhone 15, which is expected to be unveiled on September 12.
This will be a major change for the company’s phones, as Apple has been using the proprietary Lightning connector since 2012. Other manufacturers like Samsung have already adopted the universal USB-C standard.
This significant change comes from a new EU law that forces phone makers to use a standard port by the end of 2024. It’s a move to reduce e-waste and save money for consumers.
Apple has already switched to USB-C for many of its other products, such as the latest iPads and MacBooks, but it had previously resisted the EU regulation, claiming that it would limit innovation and harm consumers.
In September 2021, an Apple spokesperson told BBC News: “Strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world.”
However, Apple seems to have changed its mind and embrace USB-C for the iPhone 15. This would offer several benefits, such as faster charging, faster data transfer, and compatibility with a wider range of accessories and chargers.
Users who still have Lightning cables or accessories can use adapters that are already available from various brands, including Amazon. Moreover, all iPhones since the iPhone 8, which was released in 2017, support wireless charging, which does not require any cables for charging.
- Wired and wireless charging option
- 18W fast charging capable of charging your laptop
- Non-slip surface for wireless charging
- Sliding kickstand to hold your phone in place
- Multi-device charge speeds are not the best
- Slow power bank recharge speeds
The iPhone 14, which was launched in June 2023, could be the last Apple phone to use the Lightning port exclusively. This could signal the end of the Lightning era, which lasted for over a decade.
Do you think Apple should have switched to USB-C earlier or later? Why?
