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Apple Expected to Switch to USB-C for iPhone Charging, Ending Lightning Era

  • Apple is expected to switch iPhones from Lightning to USB-C charging with the upcoming iPhone 15 models. This would align with an EU mandate requiring small electronics to use USB-C by 2024.

  • The change marks a significant shift for Apple after 10+ years of proprietary Lightning chargers. However, iPads and MacBooks already use USB-C.

  • Apple has resisted the change, citing environmental concerns over old cables and its licensing business around Lightning accessories. But it has no choice given the EU law.

  • For users, the switch provides convenience of using the same chargers across devices. But it could also create e-waste as old Lightning cables are discarded.

  • Apple may eventually move to wireless charging only, but that technology currently charges slower than wired USB-C.

ksl.com
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Millions of people who will enter the USB-C ecosystem with the iPhone 15 may encounter confusion over its capabilities, as the technology is tainted by uncertainty and lacks certification, resulting in varying data transfer and charging speeds.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 with a USB-C port and updated wireless charging, as well as the Apple Watch Series 9, at its upcoming event.
Apple is transitioning from Lightning to USB-C for its upcoming iPhone 15 series, a move that was forced upon the company by the EU, despite Apple's previous resistance and claims of generating unnecessary e-waste; however, Apple is expected to downplay this fact during the launch and instead emphasize the benefits of USB-C for cross-compatibility and ecological reasons.
Apple is likely going to remove the Lightning connector from the iPhone in compliance with a new EU law requiring phones to use USB-C, which will lead to a universal standard for charging across devices, but may also require users to replace their cables and accessories or purchase additional adapters.
The iPhone 15's USB-C port and charging cable will likely be limited to a slow data transfer speed of 480 megabytes per second, highlighting the confusion and lack of certification in the USB-C ecosystem.
Apple is set to release the iPhone 15 with incremental improvements including a lighter design, better chip, battery life, camera, and a USB-C charging cable, but the smartphone market is slowing down as people hold on to their devices longer and there is less incentive to upgrade.
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.
Millions of people entering the USB-C ecosystem with the new iPhone 15 models will encounter the confusion and inconvenience of not knowing whether their device or cable supports high-speed data transfer or fast charging, highlighting the challenges of the USB ecosystem.
Android smartphones have had the ability to charge other devices using a USB-C cable, and now with the iPhone 15 series adopting USB-C, Android phones and iPhones can finally share power with one another.
Anker is offering discounts on USB-C accessories for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro on Amazon, including portable batteries, a MagSafe-compatible charger stand, and USB-C wall chargers.
Apple's iPhone 15 lineup offers small but powerful updates, including the switch from Lightning to USB-C charging, an Action Button for quick access functions, the Dynamic Island for enhanced notifications, and a travel-friendly design, making them the best travel-friendly phones yet.
Some USB-C battery packs, including the Anker PowerCore Slim 10K PD, are not compatible with the iPhone 15 due to the phone's reverse charging feature, and the only way to charge the iPhone is to use the USB-A port.
The under-appreciated features of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro include the ability to charge accessories via USB-C, turning the phone into a gaming console, the ability to connect external storage and micro SD cards for professional video recording, cheaper repair costs for the rear glass, and significant weight reduction in the iPhone 15 Pro models.