Apple has announced its new iPhone 15 range with a USB-C charging port, ditching its lightning standard to comply with European Union rules.
It marks the first time since 2012 that the tech giant has changed the connector on its flagship device.
The switch had been anticipated since last year, when the EU mandated that all portable electronics sport a universal connector by the end of 2024 to reduce e-waste and simplify life for consumers.
Apple had opposed the requirement but acknowledged it would have to follow it - and confirmed the change at its iPhone unveiling event on Tuesday.
Apple's Kaiann Drance said the company was bringing USB-C to iPhone 15 because it "has become a universally accepted standard".
The iPhone 15 series, such as the Pro model seen here, will feature a USB-C charging port for the first time. Image: AppleThe iPhone 15 range mirrors that of the 14, with a standard 6.1" model; a 6.7" plus version; and more powerful pro incarnations with the same screen sizes.
All four will have USB-C connectors.
Apple's new USB-C cables. Image: AppleThe iPhone 15 Pro ranges in price from €1,239 for 128GB model, to €1,869 for 1TB of memory.
People can pre‑order the Pro from September 15th, with the phone being available from September 22nd.
For those looking to spend a bit less, the iPhone 15 is priced from €979.
The USB-C change means the iPhone is being brought in line not just with other Apple products like the latest Macs and iPads, but with rival Android smartphones and tablets.
The iPhone 15 will be available in 'Barbie' pink. Image: AppleApple used the event at its California headquarters to reveal the iPhone's standard wired earphones and the charging case for its AirPods Pro earbuds would adopt USB-C.
Apple also announced a number of environmental initiatives at the event.
The company is ceasing production of leather phone cases and watch straps and upping the amount of recycled materials used to make their new devices.
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.
The Apple Watch Series 9 will be priced from €449.
The headline feature is being able to detect tiny changes in the wearer's blood flow to sense when they double tap their index finger and thumb.
The gesture acts as a shortcut for anything from starting a stopwatch to answering a call, keeping the wearer's other hand free for other tasks.
People will be able to control their Apple Watch 9 through a gesture. Image: AppleBesides the adoption of USB-C, Apple touted familiar improvements to tempt iPhone users to upgrade.
Apple said the standard and plus iPhone 15 had a 48 megapixel camera, a telephoto lens with two-times zoom, and a screen twice as bright as their predecessors.
Every iPhone 15 model also gets the "dynamic island" that was limited to the 14 Pro.
This replaces the notch with a smaller cutout in the screen, and changes how notifications look when they arrive.
Apple is increasing the reach of its SOS feature when people are out of coverage. Image: AppleThe devices' satellite connectivity, allowing users to make calls without mobile coverage, will also now be able to summon roadside assistance in remote areas - but this is limited to the US for now.
Most importantly, given this year's Barbie hype, pink is among the new colours.
Reporting by: IRN
