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If you've been keeping up with the current iPhone 15 rumours then you'll have heard about the possibility of the iPhone 15 sporting a USB-C charging port instead of Apple's traditional Lightning port.

While the change from Lightning to USB-C is imminent for European Apple users, we're yet to find out if this change will take place with this year's iPhone 15, or whether we'll get one more year of Lightning port use – and if so, will it affect just Europe?

Here's everything we know so far on Apple's switch to USB-C!

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In this blog:

• Why is Apple switching to USB-C?
• Will iPhone 15 have USB-C?
• What countries will be affected?

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Why is Apple switching to USB-C?

While we don't know for certain if the iPhone 15 will have a USB-C charging port, we do know that Apple will make the shift by the end of 2024 – but why?

Back in October 2022, the EU ruled for a one-size-fits-all charging port regulation to come into effect by 2024, making the USB-C mandatory for a whole range of electronic devices – including Apple's iPhone models. The idea behind this rule was to help reduce e-waste by having a universal charger.

Will iPhone 15 have USB-C?

If you're wondering "Will iPhone 15 have USB-C?", you'll have a wait a little longer for the answer. Until the official Apple Keynote event, we can only speculate and go off iPhone 15 leaks and rumours for now.

There's a chance that the iPhone 15 series could have a USC-B port, as the EU rule that's prompting the switch comes into effect by the end of 2024. However, since there's a deadline of late 2024, there's also a possibility that Apple could hold back until next year's iPhone launch – our money is on the change coming sooner, rather than later though.

What countries will be affected?

As the one-size-fits-all charging port regulation is an EU rule, it will predominantly affect EU countries and most countries in Europe. But since Apple is such a big player in the smartphone market, it's left non-Europeans wondering if they'll be affected.

Again, we can't say for certain, but it seems Apple could make this switch permanent for all future iPhone models, including those sold in the US and elsewhere in Europe.

It would make sense for Apple to stay consistent and offer only USB-C ports on their newer iPhone models, as it would be more cost-efficient than making two different versions of the same phone with different charging ports.

For the UK and Europe, it's not a case of if, but of when. And for those in the US and outside of Europe, we'd suggest preparing yourself for the switch too!

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