MacRumors
Apple’s iPhone 15 series launch coming up, and the company is preparing its retail staff to inform customers about the major change in charging port. The new iPhones are expected to use USB-C instead of Lightning, which means existing Lightning cables will not work with them.
Customers who buy a new iPhone 15 will reportedly receive a USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, but they will need to buy a USB-C charger separately if they don’t have one already. Apple’s retail employees will then need to recommend the Apple USB-C power adapters and additional Apple-certified USB-C cables available in the store.
Apple has been using the Lightning port on iPhones for over a decade, but it has switched to USB-C for its Macs and iPads in recent years. The company was reportedly influenced by the new regulations in Europe that require a common charging standard for smartphones. However, Apple could also benefit from the switch to USB-C financially.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has increased its shipment forecast of its 20W USB-C charger by 120% for the third quarter of 2023 and expects to ship 70 million units in the fourth quarter. The total shipment of Apple’s 20W USB-C charger in 2023 could reach 230–240 million units, which is a 30–40% year-on-year growth, driven by the high demand for replacement chargers.
Kuo also believes the iPhone 15 series will support faster charging speeds with Made for iPhone-certified (MFi) USB-C chargers, including Apple’s 20W Power Adapter. Leaker ShrimpApplePro claims that the iPhone 15 models will only work with USB-C accessories with the Apple MFi certification.
Additionally, Apple supplier Foxconn is reportedly producing EarPods and cables with USB-C connectors that are MFi-certified. Apple is also expected to launch a new AirPods Pro USB-C charging case.
Some sources suggest that the iPhone 15 models could support charging speeds up to 35W, which would allow for faster charging with compatible power adapters. This feature may be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro models only.
The current iPhone 14 models can charge at a maximum of around 27W, with the Pro models being slightly faster. A jump to 35W would reduce the charging time significantly. Apple could recommend its 30W MacBook Air charger or its 35W Dual USB-C charger for the iPhone 15 models for optimal charging speed.
The switch to USB-C will generate revenue for Apple from accessory sales, as this expected change will render millions of Lightning cables and USB-A chargers obsolete. However, it will also increase the cost for customers who want to buy a new iPhone 15 model this year, as they will have to purchase new chargers and cables, too.
Apple will announce the iPhone 15 series at an event on Tuesday, September 12 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The event will be live-streamed on YouTube, on Apple’s website, and in the Apple Events app for the Apple TV.