Apple reveals iPhone 15 with USB-C charging port to adjust to EU guidelines

Apple has introduced its new iPhone 15 vary with a USB-C charging port, ditching its lightning normal to adjust to EU guidelines.

It marks the primary time since 2012 that the tech large has modified the connector on its flagship gadget.

The change had been anticipated since final 12 months, when the EU mandated that every one transportable electronics sport a common connector by the tip of 2024 to cut back e-waste and simplify life for shoppers.

Apple had opposed the requirement however acknowledged it must observe it – and confirmed the change at its iPhone unveiling occasion on Tuesday.

Apple’s Kaiann Drance mentioned the corporate was bringing USB-C to iPhone 15 as a result of it “has become a universally accepted standard”.

The iPhone 15 vary mirrors that of the 14, with a normal 6.1″ model; a 6.7″ plus model; and extra highly effective professional incarnations with the identical display sizes.

All 4 can have USB-C connectors after they launch on 22 September.

It brings the iPhone in line not simply with different Apple merchandise like the most recent Macs and iPads, however with rival Android smartphones and tablets; cameras and laptops; e-readers like Kindle; and video games consoles like Nintendo Switch.

Apple additionally used the occasion at its California headquarters to disclose the iPhone’s normal wired earphones and the charging case for its AirPods Pro earbuds would undertake USB-C.

Move dangers ‘mountains of e-waste’

While an growing variety of gadgets use USB-C, some specialists have expressed concern concerning the huge variety of cables that would grow to be out of date within the quick time period.

Ed Hoppitt of cloud computing agency VMWare mentioned it may create “mountains and mountains of e-waste”.

“Since the lightning cable was introduced with the iPhone 5 in 2012, countless Apple phones, devices, headphones, adapters, and other accessories have used it,” he mentioned.

“When Apple dropped the old 30-pin connector in 2012, they had sold 610 million devices that used it.

“Since 2021, they’ve offered over two billion iPhones alone.”

Apple moved to get ahead of the criticism by announcing a number of environmental initiatives at the event, such as ceasing production of leather phone cases and watch straps.

The new Apple Watch Series 9 will be its first carbon-neutral device, and the US tech firm vowed to become entirely carbon-neutral by 2030.

New cameras and colors for this 12 months’s gadgets

Besides the adoption of USB-C, Apple touted acquainted enhancements to tempt iPhone customers to improve.

Apple mentioned the usual and plus iPhone 15 had a 48 megapixel digicam, a telephoto lens with two-times zoom, and a display twice as brilliant as their predecessors.

Every iPhone 15 mannequin additionally will get the “dynamic island” that was restricted to the 14 Pro. This replaces the notch with a smaller cutout within the display, and adjustments how notifications look after they arrive.

The gadgets’ satellite tv for pc connectivity, permitting customers to make calls with out cellular protection, can even now have the ability to summon roadside help in distant areas – however that is restricted to the US for now.

Most importantly, given this 12 months’s Barbie hype, pink is among the many new colors.

For the professional mannequin, it would have a brand new titanium case, extra superior digicam, brighter display, and sooner chip.

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