Apple will change the charging port in the iPhone 15, but it won’t be the same as last time
By ForGeeks When Apple unveils the iPhone 15 lineup early next month, it will also announce the first change to the charging port since the iPhone 5. For many iPhone users, however, nothing will change this time around.
30-pin port to Lightning
In retrospect, it’s hard to believe that Apple only released five iPhone models that used the original charging port. Released 16 years ago, the original iPhone used the same 30-pin charging port as the iPod line. By the time Apple’s 30-pin connector appeared in the iPhone, it was a perfectly acceptable charging option. The plug only plugged in face forward, but it was no longer secured by prongs on either side.
Apple only shipped this charging port in the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S. However, public reaction to the iPhone 5’s switch to the current Lightning port in 2012 wasn’t exactly positive. This is largely due to the fact that the move to the 30-pin connector was driven by the popularity of the iPod. It also didn’t help that Apple’s 30-pin to Lightning adapter was in short supply when the iPhone 5 went on sale.
USB-A to USB-C
It’s true that the iPhone hasn’t changed its charging port in over a decade, but customers may see it differently. Apple has started bundling a USB-C to Lightning cable with the iPhone 11 Pro to speed up charging. The iPhone 5 — iPhone XS (and iPhone 11, but not the Pro) came with a USB-A to Lightning cable. It also came with a charging adapter.
A charging adapter was included.
A year later, Apple stopped including a power adapter in the box to save the planet and replaced USB-A to Lightning with USB-C to Lightning in the iPhone 12. iPhone buyers are still discovering the benefits of fast charging with a USB-C to Lightning wire and a 20W power adapter.
With the USB-C to Lightning wire and a 20W power adapter, iPhone buyers are still discovering the benefits of fast charging.
Lightning to USB-C
Apple currently lets you charge everything from MacBooks and iPads to Apple TV remotes and Beats headphones with USB-C. Everything except iPhones, that is. That will change with the release of the iPhone 15, whether Apple likes it or not. For many of us, the switch from Lightning to USB-C is long overdue. Apple’s insistence on shipping Lightning over the years has only exacerbated the impending transition.
Apple’s insistence on shipping Lightning over the years only exacerbates the impending transition.
But for many iPhone users (including some itzine.co.uk readers), the switch from Lightning to USB-C (whether Apple likes it or not) is a terrible change. Regardless of what other Apple products have done, the Lightning ecosystem is a thriving one for many. Having to invest in a new charging connector (whether Apple likes it or not) — is a headache. We understand.
There’s something peculiar about this switch to a new charging port, though. For some iPhone users, which charging port Apple uses is irrelevant. Apple could replace Lightning with VGA, and it wouldn’t matter — precisely for charging purposes. That’s because six years ago, Apple added, not replaced, a way to charge wirelessly. The iPhone X and iPhone 8 were the first to support the Qi charging standard, and the iPhone 12 greatly improved on that standard with MagSafe. For some users, the iPhone charging port — is just a service port and dust collector.
And for some users, the iPhone charging port is just a service port and a dust collector.
There’s probably a lot of common ground between those who use wireless charging and those who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the USB-C iPhone. However, for some iPhone users, the switch from Lightning to USB-C in the iPhone 15 lineup won’t make any difference. Just use the same MagSafe charger for the iPhone 15 that you’ve been using since the iPhone 12.
Simply use the same MagSafe charger that you’ve been using since the iPhone 12.
