Apple brings USB-C charging port to new iPhone 15 and 15 Pro
Apple has finally added a USB-C charging port to the iPhone after unveiling its new ‘15’ and ‘15 Pro’ models at an event on Tuesday.
Apple has used its own proprietary ‘lightning’ connection for charging for the last 11 years.
However, a new EU ruling mandating the use of a “universal” connector from late 2024 has forced the company to ditch it in favour of USB-C.
It means all four new models; the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone Pro Max will have a USB-C connectors upon release on 22 September.
While the move is pro-consumer, experts fear it could create “mountains of e-waste”.
Around 2bn iPhones have been sold in the last two years alone.
Scores of lightning connectors will now be consigned to drawers and cupboards.
Ben Wood, CSS Insight chief analyst, believes it’s the right move in the long term, claiming that it was a “victory for common sense”.
Although Apple only spent a few minutes covering its switch to USB-C, most of the event focused on compelling new design cues and features for the iPhone 15.
The base iPhone 15 and Plus models will now have the “dynamic island” rather than a notch shape at the top of the display.
They will also be powered by an A16 processor and feature a 48-megapixel camera.
The Pro Models get the bulk of the exciting upgrades.
They will have a brand new A17 chip, a new “Action” switch, an advanced multi-lens camera system and brighter displays.
The iPhone 15 standard 6.1in model will go on sale from £799 in the UK.
Pre-orders will start on Friday 15 September ahead of the official release date.