Apple will debut its iPhone 15 lineup next week, and Apple retail store employees are reportedly being trained to remind iPhone customers that the handsets’ switch to USB-C means any Lightning charging accessories they already own will not be compatible.
Apple staff are being told to warn iPhone 15 buyers that although a USB-C to USB-C cable is included in the box, a USB-C charger is not. Employees will then direct buyers to the in-store stock of Apple USB-C power adapters and additional Apple-certified USB-C cables.
Apple has used the Lightning port on the iPhone for more than 10 years, as the Cupertino firm’s proprietary charging/syncing port debuted in September 2012 with the debut of the iPhone 5.
Apple is expected to switch the iPhone to USB-C this year, due to new regulations in Europe for all consumer mobile and laptop devices to use a universal charging standard.
While it was the regulations changes in the EU that forced Apple to switch the iPhone to USB-C, Apple should profit nicely from the move, due to the need for USB-C charging accessories.
Apple supplier Foxconn is said to be producing accessories like EarPods and cables with USB-C connectors that are MFi certified, and Apple is also expected to release a new AirPods Pro USB-C charging case.
Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineup at its “Wonderlust” September 12 event at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The company is also expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 9 and a second-generation Apple Watch Ultra.