New iPhone is expected to switch to USB-C charging port
The next iPhone is likely to feature one of the most notable design changes in years as the charging port is brought in line with upcoming EU legislation, according to an industry expert.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 15 lineup Tuesday night at an event at the tech giant’s California headquarters.
Analyst reports and forecasts suggest that the biggest change in the new phones will be removing the Apple Lightning connector, which has been present on every iPhone since its introduction in 2007, and replacing it with the USB-C connector. To replace connector for which EU regulations make the connector mandatory. It is strictly small electronics and must be installed by the end of 2024.
USB-C is already widely used by most other smartphone and electronics manufacturers, and Apple is also using it for its laptops and its newer iPad models.
The move to make the connector the universal choice for small electronic devices is part of the European Union’s regulatory efforts to reduce e-waste and by reducing the number of different cables consumers need for different devices.
Apple executives have previously confirmed the tech giant would comply with the change, despite raising concerns about the move.
In a statement following the first announcement of the EU proposals in 2021, the company warned that “restricting just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encourages it” and that it could ultimately hurt consumers.
Industry expert Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, said that while changing the charging port is a “big change” and “arguably the biggest disruption to iPhone design in several years,” its presence in the Apple ecosystem already means it , that this was “hardly a dramatic move.”
“The expected move to USB-C could create tension for Apple customers who already have proprietary Lightning cables and docks in their homes,” he said.
“However, Apple has already transitioned other devices like the iPad to USB-C and will almost certainly include a new cable or maybe an adapter with every iPhone box.
“When you consider how widely USB-C is being used in other devices, it’s hard to imagine that customers will be completely surprised by this shift, and in the long run it will likely benefit them as a universal charging system will benefit some of it.” entails.” obvious advantages.
“The rationale for regulation enforcing the use of USB-C is largely environmental, as a charging standard should result in fewer cables to purchase, which will help reduce material usage.
“It still seems likely that most phones will come with a cable in the box for the foreseeable future, but that could change too.
“Apple was one of the pioneers in removing headphones from iPhone boxes – when it was trying to get people to AirPods – as well as the charging brick, and the company has shown that it is not afraid to challenge the status quo on that front to question.”
A number of other new Apple products are expected to be announced at the live event, including a new version of the Apple Watch.
https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/new-iphone-expected-to-switch-to-usbc-charging-port-b1106113.html New iPhone is expected to switch to USB-C charging port
