Big Update! Apple Will Switch To The USB-C Port On iPhone 15 In 2023?
Apple is expected to include USB Type-C connectivity with the iPhone 15 series because of the European Union's rules governing charging ports for personal devices.
Apple's marketing lead, Greg Joswaik, stated in an interview that the company would have to comply with regulations from the European Union if they are passed, standardizing charging solutions for all brands. Apple and other personal device manufacturers have until December 28, 2024, to launch devices with USB-C ports, potentially allowing Apple to delay the switch until the iPhone 17.
Key Takeaways
- Apple is transitioning to USB-C ports in the iPhone 15 series, aligning with EU regulations for standardized charging.
- The EU's move aims to reduce electronic waste by ensuring chargers fit all devices, making consumers' lives easier.
- The iPhone 15 marks Apple's first shift from the Lightning connector to USB-C, improving charging and data transfer rates.
- Apple's decision to embrace USB-C might be influenced by EU pressure, potentially affecting iPhones, iPads, and AirPods sold in Europe.
- USB-C is already available on most of Apple's iPad lineup, enabling faster data transfer and addressing limitations of the Lightning port.
- Apple introduced the Lightning port with the iPhone 12 in 2020, initially hinting at a port-less future but may adapt due to EU demands.
EU took this step to cut down on electronic waste.
People used to throw away their old chargers and cables once they upgraded to a new phone, so the EU took this step to cut down on electronic waste. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) want "binding standards" that ensure chargers fit all smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices to reduce cost and electronic waste while making consumers' lives easier. The next iPhone 15 series is expected to arrive with a USB Type-C, which will be Apple's first move from the lightning connector to the USB Type-C, according to numerous reports.
Although most of the industry is switching to USB-C, Apple has kept the Lightning port on its iPhone since the iPhone 5. According to Kuo's tweet, Apple will abandon Lightning in favor of USB-C in 2023. According to Kuo, USB-C will enhance iPhone charging and data transfer rates.
Kuo had predicted that Apple would keep using Lightning on the iPhone for the "near term," citing damage to its MiFi division and reduced waterproof properties if it switched to USB-C. Apple's tone has shifted, according to reports. Apple's shift in attitude may be due to pressure from the EU.
If the EU keeps passing new legislation, Apple will be forced to implement USB-C on all iPhones, iPads, and AirPods sold in Europe. If such laws are enacted, Apple would have to supply specially equipped USB-C devices to Europe while the remainder of the world is forced to use Lightning or adopt USB-C for all of its devices.
USB-C is already available on most of Apple's iPad lineup, allowing accessories to transfer data faster. According to Apple's high-end iPhones, the Lightning port is a bottleneck for uploading big video and picture files for photographers and cinematographers. That process would be more straightforward if you went to USB-C, and a more comprehensive range of USB-C accessories would be compatible with the move.
Apple's Lightning port was first introduced with the iPhone 12 in 2020, so it's still a relatively new technology to the iPhone. Initial speculation was that Apple would keep it on until it's ready to go entirely port-less. Apple may have been forced to change its plan to move the iPhone to USB-C in response to EU demands, causing it to adhere to potential future limitations.