The iPhone 15 (technically, the 17th iteration of the iconic Apple phone) has arrived with a significant change that is likely to frustrate many users. However, in due time, we will find relief.
Let me explain. In compliance with recent European regulations, the newly unveiled iPhone 15 will no longer use the Lightning connector for charging, a method that has been in place for 11 years. Instead, it will adopt a new oval-shaped connector: USB-C.
For the average consumer, change is not always enjoyable. This means that when Apple customers purchase their next iPhones, their existing Lightning accessories such as charging cables, speaker docks, and earbuds will no longer be compatible. They will need to replace them with products that utilize USB-C connectors for compatibility with the new iPhones.
This transition may feel like a case of déjà vu. Back in 2012, Apple abandoned the relatively bulky 30-pin connector in favor of the slimmer and faster Lightning connector, rendering many speakers and chargers obsolete.
What sets this change apart is that most of us already own a USB-C cable. Modern headphones, game consoles, and many laptops, including Apple’s MacBooks, have long utilized USB-C as the standard charging port, making the iPhone the outlier.
Why is this happening now? Last year, the European Union mandated that all smartphone manufacturers adopt USB-C as a common charging connector by 2024. The goal is to reduce environmental waste by allowing consumers to purchase fewer power cables, as stated by Thierry Breton, a European commissioner involved in the legislation, in his LinkedIn post entitled “A common charger is common sense.”
So we are moving towards a standardized era where one charger can work with multiple electronic devices, which would be convenient. Many of us are familiar with situations where someone has an iPhone cable while another person needs a different type of cable (likely USB-C) for their non-Apple phone or computer. In theory, those days will soon be over.
However, as with any major technological shift, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Phone repair experts warn of new risks, such as the potential to damage your phone with the wrong USB-C cable. In this scenario, it is crucial to exercise caution when purchasing a cable.
“Charger damage is a real thing,” said Jessa Jones, the owner of iPad Rehab, a mobile phone and tablet repair shop. “It’s very common, and it’s something you need to watch out for.”
Here’s what you need to know:
Not all USB-C cables are the same.
First and foremost, you should stop considering modern charging cables as ordinary wires.
High-quality chargers are essentially electronic devices with small circuit boards inside. Apple’s official Lightning cable, for example, contains two chips. One chip verifies that the cable is genuinely an Apple product, while the other acts as a safety measure by isolating damage to the charger alone. In the event of a power fluctuation, only the charger would be affected, not the phone itself, explains Ms. Jones.
The problem with USB-C cables is that although they may appear the same on the outside, cheaper, lower-quality cords lack the protective chips to safeguard your device. While these cables may have the correct oval connector, they do not offer the necessary protection for your phone internally.
Therefore, if you require a USB-C cable, avoid grabbing any cheap wires, such as the $5 ones often found at gas station kiosks. Instead, invest in a durable cable from a reputable company. Brands like Anker, Belkin, and Amazon Basics are well-known for their high-quality power cables, which typically range from $9 to $30, according to John Bumstead, the owner of RDKL Inc., a repair shop that refurbishes MacBooks. Purchase cables from trusted retailers or directly from the brands themselves, and avoid buying used cables from sites like eBay.
Choose your connections wisely.
Many USB-C cables lack the necessary chips to regulate the current powering your phone. Consequently, if you plug such a cable into a power source that charges at a higher voltage than your phone can handle, you risk damaging your phone through electrocution, warns Ms. Jones.
The key takeaway here is to exercise caution when deciding where to plug in your cord. USB ports embedded into airplane back seats, hotel room walls, or car consoles should be avoided, as their charging rates are uncertain. It is safest to use your USB-C cable solely with a high-quality charging brick that provides protection for your phone. Wirecutter, our sister publication, recommends USB-C power bricks from Anker, RAVPower, and Spigen, which offer fast and safe charging for your phone.
Consider wireless options.
For iPhone owners who do not plan to upgrade immediately but need new chargers, opting for wireless alternatives is a cost-effective solution. The E.U. mandate only applies to wired connectors that directly plug into devices, so wireless charging options, like Apple’s MagSafe or charging pads from brands like Mophie, Anker, and Belkin, remain compatible for the foreseeable future.
In conclusion
As long as you possess a reliable cable and a quality charging brick, this transition should be satisfactory. The USB-C charging standard offers faster data transfer speeds compared to Lightning, and there may even be additional benefits, such as the ability to directly connect your phone to an external display for viewing photos.
Moreover, when traveling or commuting, you will no longer need to carry a tangled mess of cables in your bag. If you happen to forget your cable, chances are you will encounter someone who carries the same one.
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