Apple has announced its new iPhone 15 range with a USB-C charging port, ditching its lightning standard to comply with EU rules.
It marks the first time since 2012 that the tech giant has changed the connector on its flagship device.
The switch had been anticipated since last year, when the EU mandated that all portable electronics sport a universal connector by the end of 2024 to reduce e-waste and simplify life for consumers.
Apple had opposed the requirement but acknowledged it would have to follow it – and confirmed the change at its iPhone unveiling event on Tuesday.
Apple’s Kaiann Drance said the company was bringing USB-C to iPhone 15 because it “has become a universally accepted standard”.
The iPhone 15 range mirrors that of the 14, with a standard 6.1″ model; a 6.7″ plus version; and more powerful pro incarnations with the same screen sizes.
All four will have USB-C connectors.
It brings the iPhone in line not just with other Apple products like the latest Macs and iPads, but with rival Android smartphones and tablets; cameras and laptops; e-readers like Kindle; and games consoles like Nintendo Switch.
Apple also used the event at its California headquarters to reveal the iPhone’s standard wired earphones and the charging case for its AirPods Pro earbuds would adopt USB-C.
Move risks ‘mountains of e-waste’
While an increasing number of devices use USB-C, some experts have expressed concern about the vast number of cables that could become obsolete in the short term.
Ed Hoppitt of cloud computing firm VMWare said it could create “mountains and mountains of e-waste”.
“Since the lightning cable was introduced with the iPhone 5 in 2012, countless Apple phones, devices, headphones, adapters, and other accessories have used it,” he said.
“When Apple dropped the old 30-pin connector in 2012, they had sold 610 million devices that used it.
“Since 2021, they have sold over two billion iPhones alone.”
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