Apple has been forced to stop using its own “lightning” charging cables thanks to an EU law aimed at combating e-waste by bringing in a common standard for chargers. The new rules were due to force Apple to make the change by 2024.
The new iPhone will instead use a technology known as USB-C, according to Bloomberg. The European diktat has compelled Apple to make the switch globally, rather than just limiting it to the EU.
While this kind of charging port has a proven track record for fast-charging phones, it might mean some of your old cables are no longer useful. Still some other Apple devices, such as its MacBook line-up, already use USB-C, and the standard is common for smartphones including most Android devices.
What about the Apple Watch?
Apple is also anticipated to upgrade its Watch line-up to the Apple Watch Series 9 with a more powerful processor. It remains to be seen whether it will also upgrade the Apple Watch Ultra, its more sporty, durable version, that was first released last year.
With the upgrade to USB-C on Apple’s iPhones, there are also expectations of a revamp of its AirPod headphones. At the very least, it might update the charging case for the new kind of wire.
Apple fans will also be looking out for any new details about Apple’s VR headset – the Vision Pro – which was teased earlier this summer but is not expected to be released until next year.
How much will the iPhone 15 cost?
We don’t know yet how much the new iPhone will cost, but all signs suggest it could get a little more expensive. The current iPhone 14 cost £849, while its iPhone 14 Pro model started at £1,099. Those prices made headlines last year after inflation pushed up the price of Apple’s new phones. The iPhone 14 Pro jumped by £150 compared to its equivalent the iPhone 13 Pro, while the regular 14 was £70 more expensive.
Analysts at Barclays expect the iPhone 15 line-up to come in at a higher price point – around $100 more for the iPhone 15 Pro and between $100 to $200 more for the iPhone15 Pro Max.
It remains to be seen whether inflation will have pushed the price up any further.