Apple Considered iPhone 15 With Lightning Port Before Swapping to USB-C

Early on in the iPhone 15 development process, Apple created a version that included a Lightning port, according to Apple leaker Unknownz21. In a tweet, Unknownz21 said that Apple tested an ‌iPhone 15‌ with a Lightning port "very early on" but that it was "quickly scrapped" in favor of the USB-C version.

iPhone 15 to Switch From Lightning to USB C in 2023 feature
‌iPhone 15‌ models equipped with USB-C instead of Lightning were in testing as early as January 2022, and all designs after March 2022 focused on a USB-C port.

Apple's transition to USB-C on the iPhone has been one of the most consistent rumors, and the company is expected to ditch the Lightning port for all four models that are coming this year. Both Pro and standard models alike will charge via USB-C instead of Lightning, a first for the ‌iPhone‌.


USB-C ports have been included in the Mac lineup since 2015 and the iPad line since 2018. All iPads that Apple sells now feature a USB-C port, in fact, so the only iOS devices that still use Lightning are the iPhones. Apple is planning to transition to USB-C for the ‌iPhone‌ because of European regulations that mandate a common charger for electronic devices.

The Lightning port is not permitted under these rules, so Apple had the option of introducing USB-C just in Europe and sticking with Lightning everywhere else, or using USB-C worldwide and eliminating Lightning entirely. USB-C across all Apple devices will make charging simpler because iPhones, iPads, and Macs will be able to share the same cable and power adapter.

Apple will eventually need to update the third-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard, and original Apple Pencil, all devices that continue to charge with Lightning.

Apple may not need to rely on USB-C charging for too long, as the company has been pushing MagSafe wireless charging. iPhones since the ‌iPhone‌ 12 have incorporated ‌MagSafe‌, and Apple could be planning to add similar technology to future ‌iPad‌ models. There have been rumors that Apple's eventual goal is to have a portless, all-display ‌iPhone‌, and with ‌MagSafe‌ and the upcoming launch of Qi2, that may be possible at some point. The Qi2 standard will allow for faster MagSafe-like charging speeds and will serve as a more open alternative to ‌MagSafe‌.

Related Roundup: iPhone 15
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

TrenttonY Avatar
29 months ago
Apple, please make all future USB-C cords braided like the ones that came with the 24" iMac.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
29 months ago
If Apple doesn't get rid of the lightning port. Get yourself ready for the struggle. We will be coming across this. ?



Attachment Image
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Porco Avatar
29 months ago

All iPads that Apple sells now feature a USB-C port, in fact, so the only iOS devices that still use Lightning are the iPhones
This is incorrect, Apple still sell the marvellous 9th gen iPad which still features a Lightning port.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
redbeard331 Avatar
29 months ago
I just hope they can make the usb-c port as durable as the lightning port.
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
visualseed Avatar
29 months ago
I guess saying early prototypes still had a lightning port was too boring and on the nose. Seriously, this is just headline fail.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
29 months ago
Why is it so hard for Apple to implement USB-C? Let go of the lighting. It's over 10 years old. It is outdated.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)