Alleged Images of iPhone 15 USB-C Ports Leaked Online, Hinting at Apple’s Switch from Lightning
Leaked images showcasing the alleged USB-C connector ports for the upcoming iPhone 15 have surfaced online, further indicating that Apple is preparing to transition from the Lightning charging standard. These consolidated images, which were shared by leakers @lipilipsi and @John011235 on X (formerly Twitter), reportedly display the USB-C connector ports attached to the flexible PCB component parts that will be utilized in the standard iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro Max models.
The reports from reliable sources such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggest that all 2023 iPhone 15 models will feature USB-C instead of Lightning. This move is primarily driven by the need for Apple to comply with new regulations enforced by the European Union (EU). The EU regulations stipulate that iPhones sold in the region must include USB-C ports. Consequently, Apple faced the option of either implementing a worldwide design change or developing specific iPhones exclusively for the EU market.
Notably, the iPhone 15 Pro models equipped with USB-C ports are expected to support faster data transfers than the standard iPhone 15 models, which will continue to offer USB 2.0 speeds, similar to the Lightning standard. This discrepancy provides the Pro models with a competitive advantage in terms of speed.
Additional information from leaker ShrimpApplePro reveals that iPhone 15 models will only officially support USB-C accessories certified by the Apple Made for iPhone (MFi) program. In line with this, Apple supplier Foxconn is reportedly manufacturing MFi certified USB-C accessories like EarPods and cables with USB-C connectors.
The MFi USB-C certification might be utilized to restrict certain features, such as fast charging and high-speed data transfers, to only Apple-approved accessories. ShrimpApplePro predicts that cables lacking MFi certification will be limited in terms of data and charging speed. Ming-Chi Kuo has also suggested that Apple will require Made for iPhone certification for USB-C chargers that are capable of fast charging the iPhone.
According to Mark Gurman, Apple’s annual iPhone event is anticipated to occur on either Tuesday, September 12, or Wednesday, September 13, this year. This event is expected to unveil the highly anticipated iPhone 15 models and provide further details on the transition from Lightning to USB-C.
In conclusion, the leaked images of alleged iPhone 15 USB-C connector ports have fueled speculations and strengthened the rumors surrounding Apple’s shift from the Lightning charging standard. With the prospect of faster data transfers and compliance with EU regulations, the iPhone 15 lineup is poised to offer significant advancements in charging technology.
Sources:
– Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman
– @lipilipsi on X (formerly Twitter)
– @John011235 on X (formerly Twitter)
– ShrimpApplePro
– Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple Analyst