According to Pocketnow , USB-C is a connection port that has been on the market for a long time, but Apple has only now officially provided it on the iPhone 15 series. A recent survey shows that the USB-C port may be the biggest reason why the iPhone 15 series attracts Android users.
However, Apple will still have certain concerns about this transition.
Is Switching iPhone to USB-C Something Apple Doesn't Want?
Lost revenue
Previously, in order to sell iPhone-compatible Lightning cables, chargers, and accessories, manufacturers had to sign up for the Made for iPhone (MFi) program to get their products certified by Apple. Each product earned Apple money, helping the company increase its profit margins and keep its most important product in the “protected” garden.
Once Apple switches to USB-C on the iPhone, this business model will no longer be optimal, and consumers will likely have to resort to unverified third-party accessories to charge their devices and transfer data. USB-C has become the standard for Android devices and many other products, and many products already have cables that iPhone 15 users can use to charge.
Apple has no right to restrict certain use cases with the USB-C standard, which could hurt its bottom line. However, it’s also possible that Apple has found a way to keep some restrictions in place through certified accessories, so we could see Apple only support fast charging through a small number of certified cables and accessories.
Users who want to fast charge their devices or transfer speeds at advertised speeds may be forced to buy Apple-certified products, helping the company maintain a strong position on the platform.
PR nightmare
Apple doesn’t want to be seen as the bad guy, and the company fears that public backlash could damage its image. It’s possible that this will happen, especially for users who have trusted the company for years. Apple no longer includes a charger with its devices, forcing anyone who’s stuck with the old iPhone charger (not the current 20W USB-C variety) to spend money on a new charger to work with the new USB-C cable.
How will Apple explain this to those who have invested in Lightning accessories over the years?
In particular, users who have invested heavily in Lightning accessories will now have to make the effort to buy additional adapters to continue using their existing products. The transition will be uncomfortable for many. Apple can still cite the reason of being "forced" by the European Union to explain.
Switching from iPhone to Android just got easier
Apple is also concerned that the move to USB-C could push iPhone users away from the company’s smartphones, as they would no longer have to buy additional accessories that are already available. This could make the transition from iPhone to Android phones easier, potentially weakening Apple’s control over its ecosystem.
In theory, Apple’s position could be weakened as more iPhone users switch to Android smartphones after the restrictions are lifted. But in practice, this may not have too much of an impact, as a recent survey found that many Android users are willing to switch to the iPhone 15 thanks to the USB-C port.
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