It has been almost a year since the iPhone 15’s release, and with it came the much-discussed end for Apple’s proprietary lightning charging cable. Despite the change, by and large, this news was well-received among consumers who are thankful for a universal charging standard that reduces the need for multiple cables and adapters.
Why USB-C is a good move for Apple users
Even though the switch to USB-C was forced by a European Union (EU) mandate requiring all mobile devices to adopt USB-C by late 2024, this change can be a positive one for Apple users. As the universal charging and data-transferring connector, USB Type-C (USB-C) cables are pretty much compatible with every modern gadget.
Moving forward, consumers no longer need to worry about purchasing a new, compatible charging cable when they wish to switch between Android or Apple or vice-versa. As a result, charging cables can be reused more frequently, minimising unnecessary expenses on charging devices and reducing tons of electronic waste (e-waste) yearly.
Do I require a new charger for my iPhone?
So, how does this change impact existing iPhone users? Do you need to purchase a new charger or charging cable? Fortunately, this change to USB-C only affects the iPhone 15 and subsequent iPhone iterations, including the iPhone 16, which will be released later this year. Meanwhile, you can still use your USB-C to Lightning cable and power adapter provided by Apple to charge older iPhone models.
However, if you plan on upgrading to an iPhone 15, or even the iPhone 16 upon its release, please note that Apple will only provide a C-to-C charging cable. This news should not come as a surprise given Apple’s decision to stop including charging bricks with its iPhone products with the launch of the iPhone 12.
Learn More: Why You Need A GaN Charger And How To Find The Right One
What type of USB-C cable do I need for my iPhone?
Likewise, you will only need to switch to a USB-C cable if you plan on upgrading to an iPhone 15 or 16 in the near future. If not, your current USB-C to Lightning cable should suffice. However, the existing cable can be a bit short, around 1m in length. Meanwhile, the USB-C-to-C cable provided with the iPhone 15 is around 1.5m.
So, if you prefer using your phone while charging or have a wall socket located in an inconvenient location, consider purchasing a longer USB-C cable for maximum convenience. We recommend one that is at least USB 2.0 standard, 2 to 3m long, and ideally USB-IF-certified. There is no reason to get something rated for more than 60W charging, especially if your adapter only offers 20W charging.
However, if you often need to copy data to and from your iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, consider getting a USB-C cable rated for at least 10 Gbps (gigabits per second). That is because the iPhone 15 Pro models support USB 3 at up to 10 Gbps. This does not apply to the older iPhone models, as the lightning cables are only capable of transmitting up to 480 Mbps (megabits per second).
Is my MagSafe charger still compatible with my iPhone?
Rest assured that the switch to USB-C does not have any impact on your MagSafe iPhone charger. You can continue powering your iPhone wirelessly, iPhone 15 or otherwise, so long as your current iPhone supports MagSafe charging (iPhone 12 series onward). With that said, wired charging remains the faster and more efficient way to power your device. So, we recommend the latter option if you must charge your iPhone quickly.
While the switch to USB-C is a convenient upgrade for Apple users, existing iPhone users need not worry about this change impacting them significantly. However, if you plan to upgrade to the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 in the near future, you may require brand-new USB-C charging accessories for your Apple device.
If you seek a reliable USB-C charging cable, wall charger, or power bank, look no further than Energea. For instance, our ComPac 35 and ComPac Ultra 35 Fast Charging power banks can power up your device up to 60% in just 30 minutes. We also carry an extensive selection of quality charging products compatible with multiple brands and models. Visit our website today to browse our comprehensive catalogue.
