While the iPhone 15 isn’t expected to be available until later on in 2023, the internet is awash with rumour and speculation as to what we can expect to see in the next edition of the flagship smartphone.
Reputable sources have confirmed that the iPhone 15 will be the first model to make use of a USB-C charging port instead of Apple’s own Lightning port. How significant is this? What does it mean for the consumer and the wider smartphone industry? Let’s find out.
Why Will the iPhone 15 have USB-C?
Apple has always liked to do its own thing, with the use of its own Lightning port a perfect example. It might seem strange then that the company seems to have performed a complete U-turn and decided to use standard USB-C technology on the newest iPhone.
The reason behind this decision might surprise you. In October 2022, the European Union passed a law that required all smartphones and tablets sold on the continent to have USB-C charging ports. This is hugely significant for tech companies, not least Apple, who must comply with the new directive by 2024.
There are a huge number of accessories available for iPhones, including premium leather iPhone cases from the online store Manteiro, and it looks like, thanks to the EU, we can add USB-C cables to that list as well.
What is USB-C?
What exactly is USB-C anyway? USB-C is a connector that can transmit both data and power through a single cable. It’s the tech industry’s latest attempt at standardization, an often lofty ambition to make our lives ever more efficient and interconnected.
Unlike older iterations of USB technology, USB-C is not oriented, meaning the cable can be inserted either face up or face down and still work just the same. As more and more devices come fitted with USB-C technology, and the EU’s directive enshrines its use into law, we can expect to see the technology become ever more ubiquitous as we head into the future.
What does a USB-C iPhone mean for the Consumer?
Apple is notorious for using specialized, unique accessories, like charging cables, that come at a high price. With the news that the iPhone 15 will come with a USB-C port, many fans were pleased with the thought of being able to use cheaper, third-party chargers and cables with the device.
However, it would seem Apple is well aware of this and is taking steps to control the situation. According to reports, the new iPhone’s USB-C port will come fitted with authenticator chips. What this means is that only Apple-certified USB-C cables will work on the iPhone, with third-party cables either limited in their performance or even completely nullified.
Those who celebrated at the thought of a more accessible, standardized iPhone may have to wait a little longer.
Conclusion
The new iPhone 15 is set to hit the shelves later in 2023, and it looks all but certain that the new model will come with a USB-C port. However, Apple looks likely to take steps to ensure that only their pre-approved cables will work on the device.
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