Apple plans to give the new iPhone 15 a standard USB-C power connector after bowing to EU rules forcing all tech companies to adopt the charger – with leaked reports claiming the company is launching its classic ‘Lightning’ port drops worldwide

Apple is expected to eliminate hundreds of millions of charging cables this week by giving its new iPhone 15 a standard power connector.

Apple has for years resisted calls to replace its ‘Lightning’ charging port with the more common USB-C connector, defiantly insisting that buyers use a different charger than any other smartphone.

But the EU has passed a law requiring all consumer tech companies to use USB-C chargers by December next year.

Brussels says several chargers generate 11,000 tons of waste per year. At one point there were 33 types of chargers for different brands of smartphones.

Now, leaked reports suggest that the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, to be unveiled by Apple on Tuesday, will have a USB-C port worldwide, not just in Europe.

EU legislation means tech companies must use the USB-C port in their products by December next year

Apple has not denied the reports. For those who only use Apple products, the change means cables will need to be replaced – an issue that Apple often lobbied against EU legislation, saying would increase waste in the short term.

Apple has already introduced USB-C for iPads and laptops, but left the iPhone behind.

Apple is also under pressure in China, which has extended its ban on iPhones to local government workers and state-owned enterprises after banning central government employees from taking the mobile phones to work.

The ban is a sign that Beijing is limiting its dependence on American technology. Yet 90 percent of Apple products are made in China. Apple is now trying to accelerate steps towards production elsewhere, including Vietnam and India.