Apple Unveils iPhone 15 With USB-C Charger

Apple released its new iPhone lineup on Tuesday, with its Lightning charger ports changed on the newest models by a universal charger after a tussle with the European Union.

The European bloc is insisting that all phones and other small devices must be compatible with the USB-C charging cables from the end of next year, a move, which according to the bloc will reduce waste and save money for consumers.

The firm had long argued that its cable was more secure than USB-C chargers, which are already deployed by Apple on other devices and widely used by rivals including the world’s biggest smartphone maker Samsung.

“USB-C has become a universally accepted standard. So we’re bringing USB-C to iPhone 15,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of iPhone marketing at a launch event.

The update to Apple’s line comes as the tech giants faces declining sales of iPhones, with premium prices pushing customers to delay switching to newer models.

The firm is also caught up in diplomatic turbulence between the United States and China, with reports saying the communist government is banning civil servants from using its phones.

Along with improvements to iPhone cameras and chips, Apple said that the iPhone 15, which has four varieties, would have internal components that simplify repair and a new frame that allows the back glass to be easily replaced.

Apple last month had said that it was endorsing passage of a California law requiring major gadget makers to allow people fix their devices without taking them back to companies.

In a surprise move, Apple said the iPhone 15 Pro will be $999 which is unchanged from its predecessor; the iPhone 15 Pro Max will start at $1,199 (up $100).

Apple also unveiled new models of the Apple Watch that would respond to a tap of the index finger and thumb to start and stop calls or other key functions.