14 DAY TRIAL // One of the biggest changes planned for this year’s iPhone is the switch from Lightning to USB-C. The transition takes place particularly at the request of the European Union, as companies selling phones in Europe need to fit their devices with USB-C starting in 2024.
As such, Apple doesn’t want to wait until the very last minute and plans to equip the iPhone with a USB-C port in 2023.
An image published by Unknownz21 on Twitter provides us with an early look at the USB-C port on the iPhone 15 Pro and the titanium design that the parent company is expected to use on this model.
Needless to say, it’s impossible to tell at this point if the image is real or not, but given the Lightning port is very likely to go dark this year, there’s a good chance the actual iPhone 15 Pro isn’t going to look much different from this.
The EU push for USB-C
The European Union proposed new regulations for device makers back in October, with the final vote given later the same month.
“By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. From spring 2026, the obligation will extend to laptops. The new law, adopted by plenary on Tuesday with 602 votes in favour, 13 against and 8 abstentions, is part of a broader EU effort to reduce e-waste and to empower consumers to make more sustainable choices,” the EU announced.
Rumor has it that Apple is looking into ways to expand its Made for iPhone program to USB-C cables as well. This could be bad news for users, as a USB-C cable that is not certified for the iPhone could end up coming with charging and data transfer restrictions.