Apple has officially announced that its forthcoming iPhone will no longer incorporate the exclusive lightning charging port, following regulatory pressure from the EU.
The renowned technology company stated that the iPhone 15, which was revealed during its annual event this Tuesday, will adopt the widely recognized USB-C cable as the "globally accepted standard." In addition to this news, Apple introduced a new series of Apple Watch equipped with an enhanced chipset.
However, a market analyst noted that the absence of attention-grabbing innovations from Apple this year may leave some consumers feeling disappointed. "It comes as no shock considering the advanced stage of development reached by the iPhone and Watch," remarked Ben Wood, a CCS Insight analyst. "It underscores the remarkable refinement achieved in both iPhone and Watch devices, highlighting the increasing challenge of delivering genuinely groundbreaking updates on an annual basis."
The upcoming iPhone model, slated for release next week, marks the first instance of a departure from the traditional charging port since 2012.
The company stated that the USB-C cable, which is already compatible with many Apple laptops and iPads, will also function with the upcoming versions of its AirPods Pro earphones and wired EarPods headphones. The European Union had urged the tech giant to abandon its proprietary charging connectors to simplify the lives of consumers, save them money, and contribute to reducing electronic waste by encouraging charger reuse. Nonetheless, some have raised concerns that this shift may result in an increase in discarded cables in the coming years.
Possibly in response to these concerns, Apple took the opportunity during its Tuesday launch event to make a series of commitments to environmental sustainability, including achieving carbon neutrality for the new Apple Watch series for the first time. Furthermore, there will be an elevation in the utilization of recycled materials in the batteries and various components of the upcoming Watch and iPhone.
In a significant move, the company has also affirmed its commitment to cease using leather in all of its accessories and has set a target to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire business operations by the year 2030.
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, expressed that the new iPhone 15 series represents the "most exceptional and capable iPhones we've ever produced." The iPhone 15 and 15 Plus models boast enhanced screens and upgraded camera systems, while the premium iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max versions feature a titanium frame designed to enhance durability. The Pro and Pro Max models also introduce an "action button" that replaces the traditional mute switch and can be customized for various functions.
The new Apple Watch will introduce gesture control, allowing users to answer or end calls by double-tapping two fingers together on the hand where the device is worn. However, some industry experts have raised questions about whether consumers will be willing to invest in these devices given that the differences from their predecessors are not particularly substantial.