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For years, Apple users juggled a collection of Lightning cables: one for the iPhone, maybe another for an older iPad, and then a USB-C for their MacBooks. Thankfully, times have changed since the release of the iPhone 15.
Years later, the iPhone is now firmly in the USB-C camp. That little port at the bottom of your device is more than just a power inlet; it's a gateway to a surprising array of functionalities that can transform how you use your phone.
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If you've only been using it to charge up, you're missing out on a world of convenience and capability. Let's dive into what that single port can really do.
1. Streamline your charging setup
This is the most obvious (and probably most universally appreciated) benefit: one cable to rule them all. The move to USB-C means iPhone owners can finally use the same charger and cable for their iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and a slew of other gadgets, such as cameras, headphones -- even many Android devices.
Say you're packing for a trip. Instead of a tangled mess of different wires, one USB-C cable and a compatible power brick might be all you need. This standardization was partly nudged along by regulations like the European Union's common charger mandate, which went into effect in December 2024.
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Consequently, this transition isn't just convenient; it's a win for reducing electronic waste. Fewer cables manufactured only to end up in a landfill is a small but significant step in the right ecological direction.
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