Apple Store employees have been encouraged to recommend USB-C accessories for the iPhone 15.

As the much-anticipated launch of Apple’s iPhone 15 series looms, expected in just a fortnight, reports indicate that Apple store staff are being directed to inform customers about the shift to USB-C and the need for new charging cables. This alteration means that the existing Lightning charging cables customers might have won’t work with the new devices.

When customers purchase a new iPhone 15 model, Apple employees will advise them that although the package includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, it lacks a USB-C charger. Consequently, staff will guide customers to in-store options for Apple USB-C power adapters and certified USB-C cables, ensuring they have suitable charging solutions for multiple locations.

For over ten years, Apple employed the exclusive Lightning port in its iPhone models, while its Macs and iPads gradually transitioned to the more widely accepted USB-C charging standard. The company’s move towards USB-C for iPhones, partly influenced by new European regulations, has gained momentum. Despite initial resistance to the change in 2023, Apple expects significant financial benefits from the transition.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, in March, Apple significantly adjusted its shipment projections for the 20W USB-C charger, increasing the forecast by approximately 120% for the third quarter of this year and establishing shipments of about 70 million units for the fourth quarter. Consequently, the overall shipment growth for Apple’s 20W USB-C charger in 2023 is expected to be robust, with a projected year-on-year increase of 30–40%, reaching an estimated 230–240 million units. This surge is due to strong demand for replacements.

Kuo anticipates that the upcoming iPhone 15 series will offer improved charging speeds when used with MFi-certified USB-C chargers, including Apple’s 20W Power Adapter. On the other hand, Leaker ShrimpApplePro suggests that iPhone 15 models will exclusively support USB-C accessories certified by the Apple Made for iPhone (MFi) program.

Meanwhile, Apple supplier Foxconn is reportedly manufacturing accessories like EarPods and cables featuring MFi-certified USB-C connectors. Additionally, Apple is expected to launch a new AirPods Pro charging case compatible with USB-C.

Some iPhone 15 models might offer charging capabilities of up to 35W, allowing faster charging with a compatible power adapter. It’s unclear whether this feature will be available across all iPhone 15 models or exclusively reserved for the iPhone 15 Pro variants.

Currently, iPhone 14 models support a maximum charging rate of about 27W, with the Pro models having slightly faster charging. Elevating the charging speed to 35W would significantly reduce the time needed for a full charge. If iPhone 15 models indeed support up to 35W charging, Apple might recommend its 30W MacBook Air charger or the 35W Dual USB-C charger for optimal charging speed.

With these developments, Apple is poised to generate substantial revenue from USB-C accessory sales as it phases out Lightning cables and traditional USB-A chargers, widely used by Apple customers worldwide. As the anticipated price increase for the iPhone 15 approaches, potential buyers should also be prepared for the additional cost of replacing chargers and cables.