Apple is set to introduce the iPhone 15 in the coming weeks, and the device’s long-rumored transition from Lightning to USB-C may provide a boost to its charging speeds. According 9to5Macsome of the new iPhone 15 models will support charging up to 35W, compared to the 27W speeds that the current iPhone 14 Pro is limited to.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo made similar predictions last year, claiming that Apple’s supply chain indicated that the company would abandon Lightning in favor of USB-C by 2023. According to Kuo, the change would enable faster charging speeds for iPhone 15 Pro models, but the feature may only be supported through Apple-certified cables. Apple stopped packaging its iPhones with power adapters in 2020 to try to combat e-waste, so the company may advise customers to purchase the 35W USB Type-C Dual Charger launched last year, or the 30W USB Type-C charger that’s designed for the MacBook Air if you don’t plan on selling a dedicated iPhone 15 charger.
All new phones sold within the EU must support USB-C charging by December 28, 2024.
Regardless of charging speeds, the iPhone 15 will most likely be the first model to transition to USB-C charging. The European Union has a December 28, 2024 deadline for all new phones sold within the bloc, including iPhones, to use USB-C for wired charging, so to push it back another year would be short for Apple.
We’ve heard various rumors about the other features of the iPhone 15 in the run-up to its official unveiling, which is speculated to take place on Tuesday, September 12. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models could see a price increase compared to the latest iPhone generations, and are expected to feature thinner bezels and a titanium frame instead of the current stainless steel chassis. Some reputable leakers also claim that Apple won’t be selling a leather case for any of its new iPhone 15 models, though you’ll almost certainly be able to find a decent third-party option if this turns out to be true.
