In a significant development, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) announced on Monday, September 12, 2023, the adoption of USB Type-C charging for its iPhone 15 series. This decision, revealed during Apple's mega event "Wonderlust," is expected to herald a new era for the tech giant as it moves away from its proprietary lightning wire. The move has been met with widespread approval, including praise from Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO and Twitter owner, Elon Musk.
Elon Musk hailed Apple's decision as "amazing" in a tweet on Tuesday, September 13, 2023. Musk's approval is particularly noteworthy given his previous criticisms of Apple over issues such as their platform fees and their stance on free speech.
The switch to USB-C is considered a positive development for consumers who will no longer need to carry multiple chargers for different devices. It is also expected to be beneficial for the environment by reducing electronic waste production annually.
Apple's decision comes after years of resistance to adopting USB-C charging—a standard charging port for most Android smartphones and other devices—and following increasing pressure from consumers and regulatory bodies. The European Union has passed a law requiring all smartphones sold in the EU to use USB-C charging by 2024.
Despite Musk's past threats to create his own smartphone if Apple banned Twitter from its app store, his praise for Apple's decision underscores the significance of this move. The iPhone 15 is the first ever iPhone to use USB-C charging, marking a major shift in Apple's product strategy.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.