The Apple iPhone 15 Might Come with Wireless Charging Technology and USB-C Port

According to reports, the new Apple iPhone 15 will almost certainly have a USB-C port, something which users have been requesting is added to the iPhone for a long time now. Interestingly, it may also come with wireless charging technology. Let's take a closer look at what we know so far about Apple's latest iPhone:

Apple's port evolution

When the iPhone 5 was released, it was the lightest, thinnest, and largest iPhone that Apple had ever released. In previous iPhones, the oversized 30-pin Dock Connector was the port of choice, measuring around quadruple the size of a standard Micro USB plug. It wasn't very robust, and it was a bit of a nightmare to use. 

You had to stick the cable in to attach the tiny hooks on the end of the connector to the port. It wasn't ideal, so Apple's creative department had to develop a better idea. It was in 2012 when the company introduced the proprietary Lightning Connector to replace the 30-pin Dock Connector, which, at the time, they stated was around 80 percent smaller than its predecessor. It was much easier to use and far more robust. 

It was used in every iPhone going forward until the new Apple iPhone 15 was designed almost 11 years after the iPhone 5 was released with the 30-pin Dock Connector. 

Why is Apple changing the port?

It might have a lot to do with the fact that the European Union brought in a new law that stipulates all smartphones sold within the EU must use a USB-C port for charging. 

Apple has already acknowledged that it must adhere to EU laws and regulations. The company, however, is no stranger to the USB-C standard, which is known for having played a huge role in the connector's development. The company decided to ensure its device had the most versatile connector, and it was first in the 2014 12-inch MacBook (notebook). 

Over the next two years, Apple also added the USB-C port to Macs and iPads, although they didn't add it to the iPhones. Using a proprietary connector meant that Apple had much more control of the market and, therefore, more control over any other manufacturers who made Lightning tech. 

The switch isn't going to be an easy one. For example, there are many iPhone owners who will end up having to replace their current cables or, in a worse-case scenario, may have to invest in dongles to ensure their iPhones continue to work properly. 

When the dust has settled, it means that the entire technology sector may one day be using the same universal cable and the same docks, and this will be the first time this has happened. They will be neat and compact and far more convenient for everyone. The main thing Lightning will be remembered for is that it was easy to connect the charger and required hardly any effort. 

The fact that it was bidirectional also made things smoother and hassle-free. When you compare the Lightning Connector to other Micro USB cables, you will notice how much easier it is to use. 

Other rumours about the iPhone 15

According to rumours and speculation, the iPhone 15 may also feature a Thunderbolt port as opposed to a standard USB-C one. They are essentially the same shape, but the innovative Thunderbolt port costs more, and the connector is more adaptable to different speeds and USB versions. If there comes a day when charging protocols become universal in the true sense of the meaning, the Thunderbolt port would be preferred by most as the ideal standard. 

When people go to buy chargers for their smartphones, they often wonder if it's actually going to work. Many store clerks will tell you that the cable is compatible with the majority of smartphones, but this isn't always true because there are slight variations depending on which company has manufactured the cable, which can greatly affect its performance. Until things are truly universal, people won't be convinced when buying certain smartphone chargers. 

What about wireless charging?

Wireless charging technology isn't a new thing. In fact, it was first introduced in the iPhone 8 back in 2017. iPhone's marketing chief, Phil Schiller, has recently hinted that we no longer need cables like we used to rely on for certain things. 

For example, the AUX cord was replaced by Bluetooth technology, and files can now be downloaded and uploaded, or devices can be synced wirelessly over a Wi-Fi network instead of plugging the device into another system or device. The same thing has happened with wireless charging, which is far more convenient than plugging your device into a charging cable. 

One day in the not-too-distant future, we could end up seeing wireless charging and docking systems everywhere you look, and it would make life so much easier for millions of smartphone users worldwide. Thanks to Apple's MagSafe charging system, some people are already used to putting their phones on charging docks. 

The technology is starting to take off and be used in many other modern devices, and many believe that wireless charging devices are a step in the right direction. For one, it would create much less waste from discarded cables that no longer work while making life so much easier for people. We will just have to wait and see. The new iPhone 15 is expected to arrive on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, although exact times vary worldwide.