Apple testing USB-C iPhones & new dongles ahead of EU mandate

The anticipated 2023 date backs up recent claims from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo that it will be that year's "iPhone 15" that will switch from Lightning to USB-C.

Kuo claimed to have information from the supply chain. Bloomberg now cites only unspecified people with knowledge of the situation. It's possible, then, that these are the same sources, but Bloomberg's have added the possibility of adapters.

Such USB-C adapters would presumably work with existing Lightning-based iPhones, which could mean that Apple is aiming to get ahead of expected European Union requirements. The EU is currently planning legislation that would mean all smartphones sold in Europe would have to use USB-C chargers.

With new iPhones using the standard, and older ones able to get an adapter, all of Apple's portable devices would be able to use USB-C.

Adapters are how Apple worked around the micro-USB mandate. That micro-USB charger mandate will be replaced by the USB-C one, after only eight years.

The convenience of having fewer cables to carry is one benefit of USB-C, and an engineer has previously adapted both his iPhone and AirPods charging case to the standard for exactly that reason. He then subsequently sold his USB-C iPhone for $86,000.