MacRumors Portal published photos that appear to show USB-C connectors for three iPhone 15 models, including the basic iPhone 15, the 15 Plus, and the 15 Pro Max. The leaked images suggest Apple intends to drop the Lightning standard in favor of USB Type-C, aligning with a broader industry shift toward a universal charging interface.
The leaked parts indicate that Apple is moving away from the old combo connector. Analysts point to regulatory changes in Europe that require a single charging standard for smartphones as a key driver behind the transition.
Reports also indicate that the iPhone 15 Pro models could gain faster data transfer capabilities compared with the standard iPhone 15 models. Meanwhile, the base models are expected to retain USB-C version 2.0 alongside features similar to the legacy Lightning design in some respects, ensuring a smoother transition for existing accessories.
Official guidance is anticipated to emphasize that USB-C accessories will be supported only if they are approved through Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFi) program, reinforcing compatibility and safety standards for the new line.
Industry chatter places the unveiling of the iPhone 15 series and the new Apple Watch on September 13, as part of Apple’s fall event cadence that users have come to expect in recent years. The announcements have fueled ongoing conversations about material choices, charging norms, and accessory ecosystems across North America.
There has been persistent talk that Apple may have revisited certain pro-level features in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup, aiming to deliver a more robust experience while maintaining critical price-points for the broader family of devices. The overall message remains clear: USB-C will be the standard moving forward, though certain regions and models may experience nuanced variations as features mature and software support expands.
As the ecosystem adapts, developers and accessory makers are watching closely how MFi certification evolves, how data speeds scale with USB-C across generations, and how interoperability with the Apple Watch and other peripherals evolves in the Canadian and American markets.