Apple Users Brace for Another Round of Dongles and Adapters as Lightning Port Gets Replaced

Apple has a long history of introducing new cables and ports, forcing users to buy adapters and new accessories. Examples include the switch from SCSI to FireWire, ADB to USB, 30-pin to Lightning.
Each transition brought benefits but also headaches for users who had to replace cables and accessories. Dongle life became a common annoyance.
Apple often pushed the industry forward with new standards like USB and Thunderbolt, but also used proprietary designs like 30-pin and MagSafe.
New ports debuted on Macs first, then migrated to iPhones and other devices later. The Macintosh catalyzed acceptance of USB in the late 90s.
Now Apple is transitioning iPhones from Lightning to USB-C, continuing the cycle of cable changes and purchases. But it leads to standardization.

theverge.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/5/2023

Apple's new iPhone is set to require a new charger for the first time in 11 years — and your old Lightning cable won't work

The iPhone 15 will feature a USB-C charging port, replacing the Lightning cord, in response to pressure from the EU, making borrowing chargers from older iPhone models more difficult.

9/6/2023

USB-C iPhone 15 May Tempt Some Android Owners to Switch, Survey Suggests

The expected move to USB-C on the iPhone 15 may lead a significant number of Android users to switch to iPhones, according to a survey conducted by SellCell.

9/7/2023

History lesson: Watch Phil Schiller unveil the Lightning connector ahead of iPhone 15’s switch to USB-C

Apple introduced the Lightning connector with the iPhone 5 in 2012, emphasizing its digital design, improved durability, and reversible nature, marking the end of the longstanding 30-pin connector era, as the iPhone 15 is set to adopt USB-C.

9/8/2023

Apple's 2023 Hardware and Software Lineup: iPhone 15 Goes USB-C, New Apple Watch and AirPods Models, macOS Sonoma & iOS 17 On the Horizon

Apple is expected to unveil four new iPhones, including the high-end iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, at its upcoming fall event, which will also feature new Apple Watch models and a shift from Lightning ports to USB-C in response to EU regulations.

9/9/2023

Apple to Switch to USB-C for iPhone 15 and Accessories in 2023, Bringing Major Charging Changes

Apple plans to refresh its accessories with USB-C ports, including AirPods and Mac accessories, following the transition away from Lightning on the iPhone 15 lineup.

9/10/2023

Apple Expected to Unveil New Products at Tuesday Event, Including AirPods Pro With USB-C and iPhone 15 Details

Apple is aiming to have all its accessories switched to USB-C by next year, including a new version of the MagSafe Duo and a stackable MagSafe battery pack that can charge multiple devices simultaneously, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

9/13/2023

Apple Unveils AirPods Pro with USB-C Charging Case, Available for Preorder Now

Apple is releasing a new model of its AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging port instead of the Lightning port, in compliance with EU regulation, allowing users to charge their personal electronics with a single cable.

9/13/2023

Rumored iPhone 15 Ultra, Black Apple Watch Ultra and Faster Charging Missing from Apple's Latest Announcements

Apple did not announce the Black Apple Watch Ultra, iPhone 15 Ultra, multiple USB-C accessories, color-matching USB-C cables for iPhone, Thunderbolt support for new iPhones, or new iPads and Macs at its recent event.

9/14/2023

Apple Unveils New Fast-Charging USB-C Cables for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Apple has released new charge cables, including a 60W USB-C Charge Cable and a 240W USB-C Charge Cable, specifically designed for charging iPhone 15 models, iPads, and Macs.

9/14/2023

iPhone 15 May Come With More Durable Woven USB-C Cables to Prevent Breakage

Apple has revealed that the new iPhone 15 will come with woven USB-C cables, which are expected to be more durable than regular cables, although Apple has not officially confirmed this.

9/27/2023

iPhone 16 Rumored to Have 48MP Camera, Face ID, and USB-C Port

Significant changes, including a new design derived from the iPhone 14 and a USB-C port, are expected for Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE, while it may also feature a 48-megapixel rear camera, an OLED panel, and Face ID for biometric identification.