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 yr, when the EU mandated that all portable electronics sport a universal connector by the end of 2024 to scale back e-waste and simplify life for shoppers.

Apple had opposed the requirement but acknowledged it would have to follow 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 typical 6.1″ model (£799); a 6.7″ plus model (£899); and extra highly effective professional incarnations with the identical display sizes (£999 and £1,199).

All 4 can have USB-C connectors once 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 rising variety of gadgets use USB-C, some consultants have expressed concern concerning the huge variety of cables that would change into out of date within the quick time period.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 forward of the criticism by asserting quite a few environmental initiatives on the occasion, corresponding to ceasing manufacturing of leather-based telephone instances and watch straps.

The new Apple Watch Series 9 can be its first carbon-neutral gadget, and the US tech agency vowed to change into solely carbon-neutral by 2030.

Industry professional Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, mentioned the change to USB-C would show to be a “victory for common sense” in the long term.

New cameras and hues amongst acquainted bulletins

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

Apple mentioned the usual and plus iPhone 15 had a 48 megapixel digital camera, a telephoto lens with two-times zoom, and a display twice as vibrant 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 modifications how notifications look once they arrive.

The gadgets’ satellite tv for pc connectivity, permitting customers to make calls with out cell protection, may 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 year’s Barbie hype, pink is among the many new colors.

For the professional mannequin, it’s going to have a brand new titanium case, extra superior digital camera with five-times optical zoom, a fair brighter display, and quicker chip.

Shares down barely after lack of surprises

The £399 Apple Watch Series 9’s headline characteristic is having the ability to detect tiny modifications within the wearer’s blood movement to sense once they double faucet their index finger and thumb.

The gesture acts as a shortcut for something from beginning a stopwatch to answering a name, maintaining the wearer’s different hand free for different duties.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2, in the meantime, is a follow-up to final yr’s wearable geared toward health fanatics priced £799, however upgrades appeared modest in comparison with the earlier model.

The new watches will be part of the iPhone 15 on store cabinets on 22 September.

The bulletins did not transcend what was expected ahead of the event, and shares have been down 1.7% after the opening hour.

Apple may nonetheless announce new iPads earlier than the yr is out, while its £2,800 mixed-reality headset revealed earlier this summer is due in early 2024.