Apple’s latest iPhone 15 series brings significant changes, including the adoption of a USB-C charging port, faster processors, and enhanced camera capabilities.
The iPhone 15 Pro lineup introduces USB‑C for charging and data transfer. This universal connector works across iPhone, Mac, iPad, and the new AirPods Pro (2nd gen), enabling charging convenience and faster data transfer at up to 10 gigabits per second. Plus, you can charge AirPods and Apple Watch directly from your iPhone using USB‑C.
Why USB-C?
This shift to USB-C is in response to EU regulations and marks the first time that Apple replaced its traditional Lightning connector.
“USB-C has become a universally accepted standard. So we’re bringing USB-C to iPhone 15,” said Ms Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice-president of iPhone marketing, at a launch event at its Cupertino headquarters on Tuesday.
Responding to iPhone switching to the new connections, the EU commissioner Thierry Breton said that universal chargers are “common sense”. The European market “is open, but on our conditions”, Breton said in a statement.
Apple has used its proprietary 30-pin dock connector for years, transitioning to the Lightning port in 2012. Although certain Apple products adopted USB-C as early as 2015, this week’s shift for the iPhone marks a substantial departure from its previous connection standards.
Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup was unveiled today, and the major news is that it will feature a USB-C charging port instead of the proprietary Lightning port. This aligns the iPhone with modern standards found in other devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, cameras, and headphones.
Why is this a good move?
The change is driven by a European Union mandate requiring mobile devices to adopt USB-C by late 2024. This shift means you can use a single USB-C cable to charge various devices, simplifying cable management.
For iPhone 15 buyers, this transition means easier access to charging cables, and many already have USB-C cables for their laptops or earbuds, reducing the need for additional cables. The EU’s goal is to standardize ports across devices, reducing cable production and simplifying consumers’ lives.
As for older iPhones, the absence of Lightning ports in the new lineup suggests that Apple may phase out Lightning-compatible cables and accessories in the coming months. To make the transition easier, Apple also released new cables, including a USB-C to Lightning adapter for US$29.99.
Apple introduces iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone, a flagship product accounting for nearly half of Apple’s $3 trillion in sales, has undergone improvements to boost battery life, enhance camera performance, and incorporate recycled materials for a more sustainable design.
Both models feature the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling two iPhone devices with this chip to connect at three times the range as before. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max now support Wi-Fi 6E for greater wireless performance, including up to 2x faster speeds.
Colors: The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will offer consumers a range of sleek titanium finishes, including black, white, blue, and natural.
Pricing: The pricing for the iPhone 15 Pro remains unchanged, starting at $999 (U.S.) or $41.62 (U.S.) per month, with storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199 (U.S.) or $49.95 (U.S.) per month, featuring storage capacities of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
