iPhone 15 released today but your current charger might not work with it

This has meant the firm has kept control over third-party accessories being made for these devices along with not allowing rival gadgets to use its unique refilling technology. But things might be about to change.

Rumours are rife that the upcoming iPhone 15 will ditch Lightning in favour of a standard USB-C and, if true, it would be one of the biggest changes to this device in over a decade.

So why is Apple possibly making the switch to USB-C?

The US firm is no stranger to this technology with it already using the port on its iPads, MacBooks and Beats headphones which means users would only need a single cable to refill multiple gadgets.

It’s thought that introducing USB-C could also improve charging speeds meaning batteries get refilled faster. However, the biggest reason that things could be changing is a new rule being introduced by the EU.

Policymakers want all products sold in Europe to use USB-C with it hoped this will cut down on electronic waste. If Apple wants to sell its phones in countries such as France, Germany and Italy it has to abide by the new law.

It could continue to use Lightning in other parts of the world, such as the USA, but producing different devices depending on the region they are sold in would be hugely expensive and a logistical nightmare – that’s why it’s thought all new iPhones will make the switch.

The changes kick in late next year with the EU stating: “Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, earbuds and laptops that are rechargeable via a wired cable, operating with a power delivery of up to 100 Watts, will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port.”

Apple could wait until the iPhone 16 before introducing USB-C but it seems it wants to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.

Like all launches, Apple hasn’t revealed any details ahead of the event so we will have to wait until September 12 to see exactly what will be included.

Along with USB-C, we’re also expecting the iPhone 15 to get a faster processor, better camera, tough titanium finish and a screen with much slimmer bezels.

Express.co.uk will be at the launch and will bring you all the news live from this global event.