Why Apple FINALLY Switched iPhone To USB-C

Google started switching their phones to USB-C in 2015, with Samsung following suit in 2016. So why did it take Apple until 2023 to switch the iPhone to USB-C on the 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max?

[hikarikouno]

Thank you for not even humouring the idea that Apple had any other reasons to change out of lightning. The reasons they mentioned are real advantages, but they would have happily stuck with lightning if the EU had not told them to change.

[deezpleez]

What doesn’t make sense is Apple going to USB-C with their MacBooks in 2016, iPad Pro in 2018 and Air in 2020. Then having the iPhone on lightning until now

[ruhri]

Tim Cook: This is the best USB C connector we‘ve ever created.

[jonvincentmusic]

Imagine being one of the first companies to transition your computers to USB C but it took legislation in an overseas territory to force you to transition your phones. Madness.

[umairnazim]

Haven’t heard a single person complain about the iPhone switching to USB-C

[LeeStewart]

I keep all my cables. I never throw them away. I still own a 30-pin iPod connector from 2012 and I still own a DVD SuperDrive, because you'll never know when they'll come in handy. So in ten years' time, I may still own a lightning to USB 3.0 cable.

[TheAceOfCubs]

I’m glad Apple was FINALLY forced to change from their lightning port to USB-C in iPhones. It was ridiculous because MacBooks (some) and iPads were already using USB-C for quite a few years. I just wanted to be able to use a single connector for all my devices 😂

[exelierxe.e]

this time i agree EU is right about electronic waste

[barrydraper]

So the only correct answer here, is because of the EU. Everything else is simply noise...

[nigelpluck]

How have devices using lightning chargers been rendered useless? It’s not like the lightning ports or cables will suddenly stop working.

[tdrg_]

The EU forced them to. You’re welcome for saving you 2 minutes.

[chrisray]

I can't wait to see the replaceable batteries in iPhones for the next EU electronics rule.

[TonySammond]

Anyone willing to pay for a brand new phone shouldn’t be complaining about old chargers not working anyone.

[Larry]

Haven't they also nerfed non-apple USB C cables to slow charge?

[heyspookyboogie]

Ironically, I know more Android users who have MagSafe adapters/cases so they can use MagSafe than iPhone users that use lightening or USB-C adapters.

[Dr-Peppy]

They were technically required to by the EU. Instead of making a specific iPhone for Europe, they caved and made it the standard.

[C_M_R]

If you get the new iPhone 15 Pro models you still have to buy another cable to get the full 10 Gb/s speed. The cable that comes in the box limits you to USB 2.0 speeds.

[DeIeted]

The worst part about Apple keeping with Lightening for so long wasn't the fact that it was different, like most things they do. It was that they didn't update the spec the entire lifespan to introduce faster data transfer rates and power delivery. It was totally possible, it is just an interface, and in the same time Apple did NOTHING in the regard, USB-C kept getting faster and faster transfer speed and power delivery, spec after spec. All using the same connector.

This was Apple's real failure.

[kenpalmer]

I didn't get why it took so long. My macbook and ipad were both USB-C and it was super annoying to have to carry two separate cords

[roshanr]

My USB-C devices at my home

-GoPro Hero 11
-DJI Mini 2 drone
-MacBook Pro
-iPad 10th generation
-Dell Precision 5560

Even Android phones are USBC.
Lightning seems a bit uncommon.