Apple tested iPhone 15 with Lightning port before changing to USB-C, according to leaker
David Joseppi
Posted On 29/04/2023 
Apple reportedly tested prototypes of the iPhone 15 that featured the Lightning port, according to a leaker who claims Apple has been testing versions of the device since as far back as January 2022.
The leaker “Unknownz21” says Apple tested a version of the iPhone 15 with the Lightning port initially, although that version was “quickly scrapped” in favor of USB-C, which is expected to come to all four iPhone 15 models later this year.
Apple’s vice president of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak, indirectly confirmed that future iPhone models would feature USB-C charging after the European Union recently passed a new law that requires all smartphones sold within the 27 countries of the EU to adopt USB-C charging ports by autumn 2024, which will forcing Apple and all other smartphone manufacturers to comply to legally sell their devices within the European Union member states.
Some details about USB-C on the iPhone 15:
It was in testing as far back as January 2022, and pretty much all designs since March 2022 have had the USB-C port instead of lightning.
There was a version with a lightning port very early on, but it was quickly scrapped.
— Unknownz21 ???? (@URedditor) April 18, 2023
In an interview after the law was past, Joswiak said Apple had “no choice” but to comply with the new law, confirming that the company would move from the Lightning connector to USB-C with future products.
