"USB-C takes the lead as the new standard for Apple, ending era of Lightning connector

With the launch of the iPhone 15 (Plus) and iPhone 15 Pro (Max), Apple has finally said goodbye to the era of the Lightning connector. In fact, these new smartphones introduce a new charging port standard: USB-C.

In recent years, several Apple products have already switched to USB-C, including the iPad and Mac. Yet for a long time, the iPhone stuck with the Lightning connector. Even the AirPods and certain accessories frequently used this connector. However, due to a new European regulation, Apple has now had to make the switch to USB-C for the iPhone as well.

Apple embraces USB-C
The iPhone 15 (Plus) and iPhone 15 Pro (Max) represent the first set of Apple smartphones to embrace the USB-C standard. Other manufacturers have long adopted this international standard.

USB-C is known as a universal connection standard for connecting electronic devices. It is a compact, reversible and versatile port that supports both data transfer and power supply. Because of its fast data transfer and the convenience of having only one cable for various applications, USB-C is increasingly used in modern laptops, smartphones and other gadgets.

You may have noticed that the Apple Lightning connector was very similar to USB-C, and that's true. The Lightning connector is also reversible and supports high-speed data transfer. When Apple introduced this connector, it served as an alternative to USB-A and the outdated 30-pin connector that older iPhones and iPads had.

Unfortunately, USB-C was not an established standard at the time, and the other available connectors did not meet the company's requirements. This led to the development of Apple's own charging port and cable.

USB-C to become mandatory in EU
As of the end of 2024, all wireless devices sold within the European Union must be equipped with a USB-C connector. This means that in the near future, Apple will have to adapt their devices to meet these new requirements. With the exception of the 9th-generation iPad, all currently available iPad models already feature USB-C connectors."