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If you've been keeping up to date with Apple's latest products, then you'll have heard about the iPhone 15 range's new USB-C charging port instead of Apple's traditional Lightning port.

While the change from Lightning to USB-C was imminent for European Apple users, we were unsure whether this change would only affect Apple users in Europe… but it turned out to be a worldwide change. 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?
• What countries will be affected?

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Why is Apple switching to USB-C?

Apple has already begun its switch from Lighting to USB-C, starting with the iPhone 15 series – but why the sudden change?

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.

Apple had until the end of 2024 to enforce this change, so it seems like they wanted to get a head start with the iPhone 15 launch rather than wait until 2025 to make the switch.

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.

Judging by the iPhone 15's new USB-C port, it seems Apple has made this switch permanent for all future iPhone models, including those sold in the US and elsewhere in Europe. This makes sense, as it's more cost-efficient than making two versions of the same phone with different charging ports.

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