Apple’s new upcoming iPhone 15 is rumored to have a USB-C port according to Mac Rumors. This brings the iPhone in line with current industry standards, potentially helping it convince Android users who rely on the universal plug for all their charging needs.
When cell phones first appeared, every brand and even model had its own proprietary charger. Borrowing a charger from a friend or coworker was nigh impossible due to the huge variation. For the last decade, phone manufacturers have gradually sought to standardize their charging ports with micro-USB. Apple, meanwhile, opted for an innovative reversible proprietary lightening port. With the advanced USB-C port being the new standard for all electronics, iPhones stood alone still using the Lightning all the while other Apple products like the MacBooks and iPads switched to it.
Apples move was largely the result of European Union regulations forcing the change, banning new cell phones from using proprietary charging ports. The stated purpose is to cut down on electronic waste, but it does have a positive result for interoperability of accessories and chargers between manufacturers. Apple’s official release of its yearly new iPhone product usually occurs during its WWDC (WWDC) event in early June. A previous privately modified iPhone to accommodate USB-C had sold for over $86,000 according to the Verge.
