Phone manufacturer Apple has replaced their praised lightning fast chargers, ushering in a new era of Type-C USB chargers on newer phone models.
The iPhone 15 unveiling event held on Tuesday night at Apple’s Wonderlust event marks the beginning of the end of the Lightning connector. The change follows a forced hand by the European Union (EU) after new regulations were set.
Lightning chargers were introduced to the world in September 2012 during the launch of the iPhone 5. On the other hand, USB Type-C connectors have been around since 2014.
After Type-C’s were released, phone manufacturers around the world, except Apple, accepted it as an international standard for charging. For a long time, Apple had argued that their Lightning cables were more secure than Type-C chargers.
During the launch event, Apple clarified that the USB Type-C cable which worked with Macs and iPads will start featuring on their iPhones henceforth.
Apple users have warned that ditching lightning ports will lead to a rise in discarded cables in years to come. The update also comes at a time when the tech giant is facing a sales challenge, with premium prices delaying iPhone users from switching to newer versions.
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The EU asserted that Apple needed to make the switch in order to make life easier for consumers, save them money, and help reduce e-waste by encouraging the reuse of chargers.
Here are some of the benefits of replacing Lightning cables with Type-C connectors:
- Type-C ports support reverse insertion, meaning users can insert either end of the cable
- It transmits data at a higher rate
- Type-C’s are cheaper compared to lightning cables
- EU cites environmental benefits; Type-C’s will save more than 11,000 tons of e-waste annually.
- For Android users making the coveted switch to iPhones, they can easily use their Type-C cables
If you own an iPhone and want to upgrade to the latest version, note that Lightning cables are now history. Purchase USB Type-C cables. If you have MagSafe Wireless Charging, you’re already living in the future and good to go.
Cost of iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 and 15 plus come with brighter screens and better camera systems. The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will have a titanium frame.
The price of the iPhone 15 Pro with 128GB costs Sh. 160,000 ($999) and the Pro Max will cost Sh. 320,000 ($1,999).
Preorders will be accepted beginning Friday, September 15th with the first batch of phones being released on Friday, September 22nd.