Apple will leave the Lightning connector aside soon. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the brand is already preparing to launch the iPhone 15 with USB-C, following the law passed in the European Union to standardize cell phone connectors. The smartphone also already has a possible release date.
The rumor came face to face in the Sunday newsletter shortly after the legislation’s green light. If not aware, the European Commission has accepted the new bill that makes the USB-C port the standard on mobile phones. Thus, from the end of 2024, all devices for sale in the countries of the bloc should follow the determination.
For most Android phone manufacturers, nothing changes. After all, Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi and the like have been using the connector for many years. The problem revolves around Apple, which since the launch of the iPhone 5 in 2013 has adopted Lightning in place of the 30-pin connector as the standard in its products.
But, of course, this is about to change. After all, Apple won’t stop selling iPhones in Europe for it.
Anyway, our dreams are going to come true. The Bloomberg journalist points out that the iPhone 15, which will be released next year, should bring the USB-C connector. That is, even before the European Union deadline, because, as noted by The Verge, technically, Apple can adopt the standard by 2025, with the debut of the iPhone 17.
The USB-C port, however, will not last long. Gurman pointed out that Apple intends to make the full transition to induction charging on the iPhone and iPad in the coming years, leaving them closer to the Apple Watch. And this is where the company escapes European law, because devices that do not charge by wire are exempt from the requirement.
And it wouldn’t be any astonishment. Also because in 2018, Apple thought about releasing the iPhone X without Lightning port and buttons. Fortunately, the idea did not go ahead, because the phone did not even have MagSafe.
The incoming iPad should also receive the USB-C port in place of Lightning. But the pattern tends to be adopted on the tablet even in 2022.
Successor of the iPhone 14 is expected to arrive by the end of 2023
But this is not the only expectation related to the iPhone 15. This Sunday (9), MacRumors reported that Apple is already preparing well in advance for the release of the successor of the iPhone 14. And the information is part of internal communications to employees of a company store in the UK.
Rather, it is necessary to contextualize. Apple’s launches yield an off-the-routine drive to Apple Stores. No for nothing, the company limits employee vacations when there is some product launches. These warnings are also triggered to employees shortly in advance.
Apple, however, made a different move at the Milton Keynes store. According to the website, employees will not be able to take a vacation between September 15, 2023 and October 7, 2023. Then there will be another restriction period from December 2, 2023 until the beginning of January 2024.
This suggests that Apple intends to launch its new phones on the dates mentioned above. However, it will be necessary to wait for an official communication to confirm the dates.