Cupertino, CA – In a significant move, Apple has introduced its latest iPhone model, the iPhone 15, featuring a USB-C charger port. This departure from the previous Lightning charger ports comes as a response to new European Union legislation mandating compatibility with USB Type-C charging ports by the end of 2024.
The EU passed this law in June 2022, arguing that it would reduce electronic waste and save money for consumers. Apple had initially contested the law, citing the security of its Lightning chargers.
“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 during the product’s launch event.
Notably, Apple is also making efforts to improve repairability with the iPhone 15. The device will feature internal components designed for easier repairs and a new frame that facilitates the replacement of the back glass. This move aligns with Apple’s recent endorsement of a California law requiring tech producers to enable device repairs without the need to return them to the company.
Moreover, Apple announced that the iPhone 15 batteries will be crafted from 100% recycled cobalt, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, Apple pledged to eliminate the use of leather in its products.
As part of its sustainability efforts, Apple introduced a new watch that will be the company’s first carbon-neutral product. Apple has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, extending this commitment to its supply chain.
This announcement comes in the wake of China’s recent restrictions on the use of iPhones in government offices and state-backed entities. These measures, along with the EU legislation, signify ongoing challenges for Apple, whose iPhone sales account for a significant portion of its revenue. In the last quarter, iPhone sales saw a 2.4% decrease, and Apple’s stock prices experienced a decline following Beijing’s regulatory actions.