Apple expected to bow to EU and unveil iPhone 15 with USB-C charger
Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone lineup on Tuesday, with its Lightning charger ports likely to be replaced on the newest models by a universal charger after a tussle with the European Union.
The bloc is insisting that all phones and other small devices must be compatible with the USB-C charging cables from the end of next year, a move it says will reduce waste and save money for consumers.
The firm had long argued that its cable was more secure than USB-C chargers, which are already deployed by Apple on other devices and widely used by rivals including the world's biggest smartphone maker Samsung.
Apple, still the world's biggest company by market capitalization, has not revealed what it plans to announce at Tuesday's "Wonderlust" event but usually unveils new iPhones at this time of year.
It comes as Apple faces declining sales of iPhones, with higher prices pushing customers to delay switching to newer models.
The firm is also caught up in diplomatic turbulence between the United States and China, with reports saying the Communist government is banning civil servants from using its phones.
Like any other company, Apple would prefer to boast about shiny new features rather than new charging ports.
But analysts agree that the switch to USB-C is going to be the main headline.
Insider Intelligence principal analyst Yory Wurmser said the iPhone needed "a big cycle" after "tepid" recent sales.
He said Tuesday's event would probably see new Apple Watch and AirPod models, "but it's the iPhone 15 that will really determine how the next year will look for Apple".
EU policymakers said the rule would simplify the lives of Europeans and do away with a mountain of obsolete chargers.
"With the common charger, we are slashing consumer
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