Apple has been gradually transitioning from its proprietary Lightning connector to USB-C, and the latest iPhone 15 models are no exception. The move comes after the European Union passed a law requiring USB-C charging ports for all cellphones by the end of 2024, in an effort to reduce e-waste and make a common charger for all consumers. Apple has been resistant to making the change on the iPhone, but the company has been gradually adding USB-C ports to its other hardware over the past few years.
Lightning struck: Apple shifts to USB-C with iPhone 15
Apple unveiled its next generation of iPhones on September 12, 2023, and announced it will drop its proprietary Lightning charger port for the more universal USB-C. All new Apple products, including the forthcoming iPhone 15, will no longer be manufactured to fit the proprietary chargers Apple has used to charge its devices since 2012. The change could ultimately streamline the charging process across various devices and brands.
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Apple rolls out a new iPhone — and embraces USB-C
Apple will abandon its unique Lightning port in the next generation of iPhones and Apple Watches, the company announced on September 12, 2023. The move to USB-C won’t likely be a sole incentive for people to upgrade, but it could sway some consumers who have been resistant to the iPhone over its proprietary charging port. The change comes after the European Union passed a law requiring USB-C charging ports for all cellphones by the end of 2024.
The iPhone 15 Is Finally Getting USB-C
After 11 years, Apple’s Lightning connector is being replaced by USB-C in the iPhone 15. Every new iPhone 15 model has a USB-C port instead of Lightning. Apple has gradually added USB-C ports to its other hardware over the past few years. It was the first to put USB-C on a laptop in 2015. Then iPads started the transition from Lightning to USB-C. You can say the iPhone was inevitably going to be next in line.
The biggest change to the iPhone in 11 years
The iPhone 15 is heavily rumored to ditch Apple’s proprietary Lightning charger in favor of USB-C charging, marking a milestone for the company by adopting universal charging. This is arguably the biggest disruption to iPhone design for several years, but in reality, it is hardly a dramatic move. That’s because Apple has previously switched its iPads and MacBooks to USB-C charging. Apple’s hand was forced by the European Union, which passed a law in 2022 requiring phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the region to come equipped with a USB-C port.
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What does this mean for iPhone users?
The shift to USB-C won’t likely be a sole incentive for people to upgrade, but it could sway some consumers who have been resistant to the iPhone over its proprietary charging port. It’s currently unclear if the shift to USB-C will happen for all new iPhone 15 models or only for Pro devices. Eventually, Apple watchers predict, the company is likely to try to remove ports entirely from the iPhone, but until then, Apple aficionados with multiple products will still need to carry several different charging cables. Still, the USB-C port is a step in the right direction for iPhone users, even if Apple is grumbling along the way.
Conclusion
Apple’s transition from Lightning to USB-C is a significant move towards universal charging. The change comes after the European Union passed a law requiring USB-C charging ports for all cellphones by the end of 2024. While the shift to USB-C won’t likely be a sole incentive for people to upgrade, it could sway some consumers who have been resistant to the iPhone over its proprietary charging port. Eventually, Apple is likely to try to remove ports entirely from the iPhone, but until then, the USB-C port is a step in the right direction for iPhone users.
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