By now, it is laborious to not discover that the most recent iPhones are outfitted with USB-C ports, and there is a pretty particular motive for that. Whereas some could keep in mind when Apple’s smartphone lineup was outfitted with a 30-pin Dock connector, you are seemingly extra accustomed to the Lightning connector, which has maintained a presence within the iPhone ecosystem for almost all of the gadget’s historical past. Nonetheless, the Lightning connector took its last bow in early 2025.
The lengthy and in need of it’s that Apple most probably made the choice to adjust to a legislation imposed by the EU mandating {that a} multitude of gadgets have a typical charger, which included smartphones. Although the swap is in the end a web constructive for almost all of Apple followers, there have doubtlessly been some hiccups for folk who’ve been counting on the Lightning connector for therefore lengthy.
The iPhone’s journey to USB-C has been a development years within the making, although it could possibly be argued that Apple was dragging its toes each step of the best way. Even when the corporate wasn’t completely happy in regards to the transfer, it definitely helped out iPhone customers, as USB-C can ship sooner charging speeds and allows its justifiable share of iPhone USB-C equipment.
Why did Apple do away with the Lightning port?
Apple was already slowly transferring in the direction of USB-C on its gadgets, with iPads and MacBooks being the primary to make the transfer. Nonetheless, Apple appeared reluctant to vary the port on the iPhone, beforehand stating that making the change would create extra e-waste and halt innovation. Critics, however, argued that Apple merely did not need to lose the cash it was getting from third-party corporations making cables by means of the Made for iPhone (MFi) program.
In 2022, the European Parliament handed a typical charger directive, which gave corporations till the autumn of 2024 to make sure that all kinds of small digital gadgets, together with tablets, cameras, e-readers, and cellphones, adopted a “widespread charger.” The purpose behind the directive was to make sure customers did not should depend on a large number of charging cables whereas additionally serving to scale back e-waste.
Earlier than the swap, rumors circulated about what Apple’s precise plans had been for the iPhone charging port. Some theorized that the corporate would eliminate ports completely and have the gadget rely solely on wi-fi charging. Nonetheless, September 2023 noticed Apple announce the iPhone 15 sequence with USB-C, a couple of yr earlier than the EU’s legislation got here into impact.
Apple’s Swap to USB-C
After the iPhone 15 sequence switched to USB-C, it was additionally introduced that the second-generation AirPods charging case would additionally make the swap. By this level, the most recent iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods had been all sporting the connector.
For folk who already possessed numerous USB-C gadgets, Apple’s swap was seemingly a straightforward sufficient transition. These nonetheless counting on the Lightning connector face a future the place they’re going to must improve their cables and equipment. Apple has eased the transition a bit by together with a brand new braided USB-C cable with the most recent iPhones. Because the transfer, charging speeds for the iPhone have elevated, with the iPhone 17 sequence supporting sooner charging, with the ability to cost to 50% battery in round 20 minutes with a 40W adapter or increased. Though the USB-C port on the iPhone 17 and Air are caught at USB 2.0 speeds.
The Lightning connector that maintained such an enormous presence has been dethroned. For those who nonetheless have an iPhone with a Lightning connector, it could lastly be time to make the swap to USB-C.
By now, it is laborious to not discover that the most recent iPhones are outfitted with USB-C ports, and there is a pretty particular motive for that. Whereas some could keep in mind when Apple’s smartphone lineup was outfitted with a 30-pin Dock connector, you are seemingly extra accustomed to the Lightning connector, which has maintained a presence within the iPhone ecosystem for almost all of the gadget’s historical past. Nonetheless, the Lightning connector took its last bow in early 2025.
The lengthy and in need of it’s that Apple most probably made the choice to adjust to a legislation imposed by the EU mandating {that a} multitude of gadgets have a typical charger, which included smartphones. Although the swap is in the end a web constructive for almost all of Apple followers, there have doubtlessly been some hiccups for folk who’ve been counting on the Lightning connector for therefore lengthy.
The iPhone’s journey to USB-C has been a development years within the making, although it could possibly be argued that Apple was dragging its toes each step of the best way. Even when the corporate wasn’t completely happy in regards to the transfer, it definitely helped out iPhone customers, as USB-C can ship sooner charging speeds and allows its justifiable share of iPhone USB-C equipment.
Why did Apple do away with the Lightning port?
Apple was already slowly transferring in the direction of USB-C on its gadgets, with iPads and MacBooks being the primary to make the transfer. Nonetheless, Apple appeared reluctant to vary the port on the iPhone, beforehand stating that making the change would create extra e-waste and halt innovation. Critics, however, argued that Apple merely did not need to lose the cash it was getting from third-party corporations making cables by means of the Made for iPhone (MFi) program.
In 2022, the European Parliament handed a typical charger directive, which gave corporations till the autumn of 2024 to make sure that all kinds of small digital gadgets, together with tablets, cameras, e-readers, and cellphones, adopted a “widespread charger.” The purpose behind the directive was to make sure customers did not should depend on a large number of charging cables whereas additionally serving to scale back e-waste.
Earlier than the swap, rumors circulated about what Apple’s precise plans had been for the iPhone charging port. Some theorized that the corporate would eliminate ports completely and have the gadget rely solely on wi-fi charging. Nonetheless, September 2023 noticed Apple announce the iPhone 15 sequence with USB-C, a couple of yr earlier than the EU’s legislation got here into impact.
Apple’s Swap to USB-C
After the iPhone 15 sequence switched to USB-C, it was additionally introduced that the second-generation AirPods charging case would additionally make the swap. By this level, the most recent iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods had been all sporting the connector.
For folk who already possessed numerous USB-C gadgets, Apple’s swap was seemingly a straightforward sufficient transition. These nonetheless counting on the Lightning connector face a future the place they’re going to must improve their cables and equipment. Apple has eased the transition a bit by together with a brand new braided USB-C cable with the most recent iPhones. Because the transfer, charging speeds for the iPhone have elevated, with the iPhone 17 sequence supporting sooner charging, with the ability to cost to 50% battery in round 20 minutes with a 40W adapter or increased. Though the USB-C port on the iPhone 17 and Air are caught at USB 2.0 speeds.
The Lightning connector that maintained such an enormous presence has been dethroned. For those who nonetheless have an iPhone with a Lightning connector, it could lastly be time to make the swap to USB-C.
