21st February 2023 – (Cupertino) Apple is set to replace its Lightning connector with USB-C in its iPhone 15, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The new iPhone will feature two USB-C ports, with the standard iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus supporting transfer speeds that are comparable to the current Lightning connector. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will boast improved transfer speeds, supporting at least USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt 3. This is significant news, given the long-standing complaints from iPhone users about slow transfer speeds.
Apple first introduced the Lightning connector in 2012, which replaced the 30-pin dock connector. Despite its small size and reversible design, the Lightning connector has faced criticism for its limitations, particularly when compared to the versatility of USB-C. While other products moved on to USB-C, Apple stuck with the Lightning connector for a decade, but now appears to have bowed to pressure to make the change. The iPhone 15 with USB-C is expected to launch in 2023.