The New iPhone 15 Finally Joins Android by Adopting USB-C – The long-awaited moment has arrived. Apple, after years of exclusively using its proprietary Lightning connector, has finally embraced USB-C in its latest iPhone 15 models. These phones were unveiled during Apple’s event this past Tuesday, and the company made a significant emphasis on this shift to USB-C, a technology that has been a standard feature on Android phones for nearly a decade.
With the transition to USB-C, the standard iPhone 15 model will support only the USB 2 standard, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro boasts USB 3 compatibility, boasting significantly faster data transfer speeds, claimed to be 20 times faster than USB 2. This leap in performance is made possible by Apple’s new A17 Pro chip, which enhances the phone’s capabilities. Regarding charging, Apple asserts that these phones can charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes when using a 20W or higher adapter.
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Apple also provided examples of how USB-C will empower creators to transfer files like ProRes videos between devices at much higher speeds and connect to external storage, microphones, and 4K displays directly from the iPhone. These are tasks that many Android users have long been accustomed to performing on their devices. Additionally, this change aligns the iPhone 15 more closely with Apple’s other product lines, such as the MacBook and iPad, both of which have adopted USB-C connectivity for several years now.
The previous instance of Apple switching ports dates back to 2012 when it transitioned from the 30-pin connector to the Lightning cable with the introduction of the iPhone 5. Although it wasn’t explicitly discussed during the launch event, the decision to transition was not arbitrary, unlike the previous shift from the 30-pin connector. This move aligns with a European Union mandate that mandates all mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, and similar small electronic devices to adhere to a uniform charging standard by 2024.
The point is to help consumers reduce the number of chargers they purchase while making it easy to buy a new device without worrying about what charging cable it uses. The EU also hopes to “reduce e-waste and to empower consumers to make more sustainable choices.” Of course, as Android Central’s Jerry Hildenbrand points out, not all USB-C is the same, and Apple could pull a fast one on us, particularly when it comes to its accessories.
In addition to the iPhone 15, Apple has also introduced the AirPods Pro 2, featuring a USB-C charging case. Furthermore, the company is offering wired EarPods that come with a USB-C cable. As for the iPhone 15 models, they showcase subtle design updates, featuring rounded edges and corners, while the Pro variants are now constructed from Titanium.
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One significant departure from the iPhone 14 is the inclusion of the Dynamic Island on all models, marking a complete shift away from the conventional notch that has been a staple of iPhones since the iPhone X. Moreover, the iPhones come equipped with enhanced camera systems, including a new periscope lens on the Pro models, offering 5x optical zoom capabilities.