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.
The upcoming iPhone 15 series is rumored to feature a switch from Lightning to USB-C ports, a design with skinnier bezels and a Dynamic Island cutout, easier repairability, upgraded ultra wideband for integration with Apple's AR headset, 15-watt wireless charging, a periscope-style telephoto lens, solid-state buttons for the Pro models, increased RAM for the Pro models, and potential price increases, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max possibly receiving a $100 to $200 price hike.
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.
Apple will be announcing the iPhone 15 series at an event on September 12, with features including a USB-C port, a titanium frame for the Pro models, and upgraded camera specifications.
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's release of the iPhone 5s and 5c in 2013 brought a significant upgrade in hardware with the introduction of the first 64-bit processor, Touch ID, and improved camera, while the more affordable iPhone 5c disappointed with its lack of key features, resulting in the 5s outselling it threefold.
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 is known for frequently changing the connectors and cables on its devices, requiring users to constantly purchase new adapters and accessories, with the company's adoption of USB-C for iPhones being the latest example.
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.
The iPhone 15 series supports USB-C to Ethernet adapters, providing faster download speeds through wired internet connections.
The iPhone 15 Pro models unlock USB 3 speeds with USB C, and any USB 3 cable, including the $15 one from Amazon, performs the same as the $70 Apple Thunderbolt 4 cable.
