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Updating closing time to be before the day of the Apple event

If only the iPhones sold in the EU have a USB-C port, but the North American/Asian/etc models continue to use Lightning, which way will the market resolve?

They have to. The new EU regulations require them to sell USB C compatible devices.

@DracoRubi No, the regulations require them to have USB-C if they have a charging port . They could have wireless charging only, which wouldn't be against regulations (though it would be stupid)

@LukeViggers That'd be an interesting... Workaround. Unlikely to happen, honestly, since iPhones would use the port for more than just charging, but we'll see.

@DracoRubi Oh I fully agree it's unlikely to happen, I just thought I'd point out that they don't technically need USB-C. They might also (unlikely) sell usb-c in Europe only. They already have some differences in some models for NA vs Europe

@LukeViggers Actually, they only need to have USB-C by 2024 to comply with the regulations. They will probably do it regardless for the iPhone 15, but 97% is very high.

@ShadowyZephyr I'm confused what point you're trying to make here?

@LukeViggers It's possible, and legal, for them to put a lightning port on iPhone 15. (Doesn't mean it's likely though.)

@ShadowyZephyr Yes, but to sell it in the EU they'd need to also have USB-C, and let's be honest, there's no world in which there's an iPhone with two charging ports. Unless you mean they could release it this year so they don't have to comply?

@LukeViggers "The EU's rules say all mobile phones sold in the EU will need to have a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024." - CNET

End of 2024. So they could make the iPhone 15 with just lightning, and sell it in the EU. It would be supremely dumb, but they could.

@ShadowyZephyr Oh, I see what you're saying. Yes it would be possible, and yes it'd be really bloody stupid

https://www.tomsguide.com/news/physical-iphone-15-ultra-mockup-shows-off-ridiculously-thin-bezels

https://9to5mac.com/2023/02/16/exclusive-this-is-iphone-15-pro-thinner-bezels-thicker-curve-design-no-lightning-port-more/

We have obtained exclusive renders of the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro, based on a CAD model provided to 9to5Mac by a reliable case manufacturer and 3D Artist Respective Render Man Ian Zelbo.

...

The most noticeable change is the switch from the Lightning port to USB-C

Assuming their files are accurate, which they likely are, Apple decided to go with USB C for the iPhone 15 Pro.

@Gabrielle Nice

Hopefully this will be the case (:

@Gabrielle Leakers said that the iphone 13 would have usbc, and then the iphone 14... never underestimate Apple's ability to be stubborn and dig their heels in.

Still seems likely, but not 93%.

Edit: same thing with WWDC. No Siri updates, no LLMs, but a stupidly expensive AR headset

@ShadowyZephyr After recent leaks what do you think?

I think it's pretty likely and decently confirmed but also haven't been following tech long enough to remember how confident the 13,14 leaks were...

I lean pretty hard no on this. They haven't once given any indication that they would have USB c.

They were asked in an interview if they would comply with EU guidelines, then after a long rant about E-waste, they said "we will comply" And the guideline is anything that requires a plug in port must match the ports of all of their other products. in the same category. Ipad has USB-c, so iphone should too, right? No.

Another option is portless. Wireless charging only. Apple has made it very clear that one daythey will move to wireless only, and I think the EU ruling is just speeding that up