The iPhone 15's USB-C port

The arrival of USB-C means you can team your device with loads of add-ons

- DAVID CROOKES

INTRODUCED IN 2012, the Lightning connector has long been a key part of the iPhone range. Apple wanted it to remain that way despite switching to USB-C - the standard adopted by practically every other manufacturer with its laptops and iPads. But the European Union (EU) had other ideas, forcing the company to ditch Lightning in favor of USB-C for the iPhone too, even though the Cupertino giant said "innovation would be stifled by the proposal".

As it happens, the move to USB-C over Lightning does have many benefits, not least a likely long-term reduction in ewaste. The EU reckons that a standardized cross-platform port (as opposed to proprietary tech like Lightning) will eventually save 1,000 tonnes of e-waste each year. The introduction of USB-C ports also means that Android and iPhone users can share cables, and it opens the door to a large ecosystem of accessories originally intended for non-Apple devices.

Before we take a look at some of those uses, it's worth pointing out three things. First, there are different USB-C standards, so not all cables are equal some allow for fast charging and high-speed data transfer rates and some do not, so you need to do your homework (at least look for USB-IF certification). Second, Lightning is actually similar to USB-C in that it allows you to connect a whole host of devices, hence Apple's Made for iPhone program so that consumers would know which products were certified compatible. Third, USB-C cables can be fragile, so you may still end up contributing to that e-waste mountain.

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