There’s just over a month to go before Apple launches its iPhone 15 series in September. Apple is rumored to be switching its Lightning connector to USB-C to comply with EU legislation mandating adoption of this standard.
However, it now also seems possible that Apple will bring the USB-C connector to some models of the iPhone 14.
The details of the tvOS 17 beta code discovered by @aaron613 discover six unreleased iPhone modelsFour of these have been identified as iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The remaining two models have been identified as new variants of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus The introduction of a USB-C connector is probably the only differentiator in the existing iPhone 14/14 Plus models currently on sale.
Apple often foregoes the previous generation Pro models when introducing the new Pro series. but typically entry-level models are offered as mid-range options. With new EU legislation coming into force in 2024, this would mean that if Apple decides to follow this model as it has been up until now, it would have to upgrade the Lightning connectors to USB-C in order to continue using them alongside its new iPhone series to be able to sell . 14
Apple first introduced its Lightning connector in 2012. Since then, however, Apple has adopted USB-C across its entire line of MacBooks, as well as its line of iPads. Until the EU legislation was passed, Apple had shown no signs that the company was planning to switch to USB-C for its iPhones.
The only question left is whether the iPhone 15 Pro models will feature upgraded USB-C ports that also support the Thunderbolt connectivity standard used on Apple’s Macs and the iPad Pro lineup.