Apple reveals iPhone 15 with USB-C charging port to comply with EU rules | Science & Tech News
Apple has announced its new iPhone 15 range with a USB-C charging port, ditching its lightning standard to comply with EU rules.
It marks the first time since 2012 that the tech giant has changed the connector on its flagship device.
The switch had been anticipated since last year, when the EU mandated that all portable electronics sport a universal connector by the end of 2024 to reduce e-waste and simplify life for consumers.
Apple had opposed the requirement but acknowledged it would have to follow it – and confirmed the change at its iPhone unveiling event on Tuesday.
Apple’s Kaiann Drance said the company was bringing USB-C to iPhone 15 because it “has become a universally accepted standard”.
The iPhone 15 range mirrors that of the 14, with a standard 6.1″ model (£799); a 6.7″ plus version (£899); and more powerful pro incarnations with the same screen sizes (£999 and £1,199).
All four will have USB-C connectors when they release on 22 September.
It brings the iPhone in line not just with other Apple products like the latest Macs and iPads, but with rival Android smartphones and tablets; cameras and laptops; e-readers like Kindle; and games consoles like Nintendo Switch.
Apple also used the event at its California headquarters to reveal the iPhone’s standard wired earphones and the charging case for its AirPods Pro earbuds would adopt USB-C.
The USB-C port means AirPods can charge straight from the iPhone. Pic: Apple
Move risks ‘mountains of e-waste’
While an increasing number of devices use USB-C, some experts have expressed concern about the vast number of cables that could become obsolete in the short term.
Ed Hoppitt of cloud computing firm VMWare said it could create “mountains and mountains of e-waste”.
“Since the lightning cable was introduced with the iPhone 5 in 2012, countless Apple phones, devices, headphones, adapters, and other accessories have used it,” he said.
“When Apple dropped the old 30-pin connector in 2012, they had sold 610 million devices that used it.
“Since 2021, they have sold over two billion iPhones alone.”
Apple moved to get ahead of the criticism by announcing a number of environmental initiatives at the event, such as ceasing production of leather phone cases and watch straps.
The new Apple Watch Series 9 (£399) will be its first carbon-neutral device, and the US tech firm vowed to become entirely carbon-neutral by 2030.
Apple CEO Tim Cook led Tuesday’s event from the company’s Cupertino headquarters
New cameras and colours among familiar announcements
Besides the adoption of USB-C, Apple touted usual improvements to tempt iPhone users to upgrade.
Apple said the standard and plus iPhone 15 had a 48 megapixel camera, a telephoto lens with two-times zoom, and a screen twice as bright as their predecessors.
Every iPhone 15 model also gets the “dynamic island” that was limited to the 14 Pro. This replaces the notch with a smaller cutout in the screen, and changes how notifications look when they arrive.
The devices’ satellite connectivity, allowing users to make calls without mobile coverage, will also now be able to summon roadside assistance in remote areas – but this is limited to the US for now.
Most importantly, given this year’s Barbie hype, pink is among the new colours.
For the pro model, it will have a new titanium case, more advanced camera, even brighter screen, and faster chip.
Pink is among the new iPhone’s colours. Pic: Apple
The Apple Watch Series 9’s headline feature is being able to detect tiny changes in the wearer’s blood flow to sense when they double tap their index finger and thumb.
The gesture acta as a shortcut for anything from starting a stopwatch to answering a call, keeping the wearer’s other hand free for other tasks.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, meanwhile, is a follow-up to last year’s wearable aimed at fitness fanatics priced £799, but upgrades appeared modest compared to the previous version.
The new watches will join the iPhone 15 on shop shelves on 22 September.
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