Why iPhone 15 may not get USB-C charging port

The European Union (EU) has announced December 28, 2024 as the official deadline for all phones sold in the region, including iPhones, to switch to USB-C port for wired charging. The move will essentially force Apple to replace the Lightning port to the newest standard. However, the next Apple flagship, the iPhone 15, may not get a USB-C charger port after all despite rumours and leaks emphasising otherwise.
EU’s USB-C legislation
EU’s new USB-C legislation has been published in Official Journal giving individual EU member states two years to apply it as national law.
The EU had previously said that the new rules would apply from “autumn 2024,” but cleared the air in October saying that the rules would apply “by the end of 2024.”
The same rules will apply to multiple devices such as tablets, digital cameras, headphones and handheld video game consoles. Laptops will have to eventually adopt the mandate before April 2026.

What does it mean for Apple?
Apple is the largest phone manufacturer to have not shifted to USB-C for wired charging. It has defended its decision by pointing out environmental concerns associated with the shift. However, Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President, worldwide marketing at Apple recently told The Wall Street Journal at their WSJ Tech Live event that the company “obviously have to comply” with EU’s mandate.
Apple has been holding the iPhone launch event in the month of September, therefore, technically speaking, the company will not have to switch to USB-C until 2025 because the presumed iPhone 16 series is expected to make its debut in September 2024.
iPhone 15 design rumours
Reports have been indicating that Apple may shift to USB-C next year with iPhone 15. If truth be told, there is no solid proof that iPhone 15 will adopt the charging standard.
Recently, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple could offer two different kinds of USB-C ports on its iPhones. One on the standard iPhone and iPhone Plus model and another with Pro variants with faster transfer speeds.
Apple currently sells Lightning cables for the iPhone and AirPods, USB-C chargers for the iPad Pro (from 2018) and MacBook (from 2015), and MagSafe for the Apple Watch.