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The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, released in September 2023, were the first iPhones with USB-C, and every iPhone since then uses USB-C instead of Lightning. That includes the iPhone 16 and 17 lineups, the iPhone 16e and 17e, the iPhone Air and the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 14 lineup, the iPhone SE 3rd generation and earlier models use Lightning. The change followed the European Union's common charger law, which requires USB-C on new phones sold there. A quote on Sell iPhone 15 for Cash covers the first USB-C models.
- First USB-C iPhones: iPhone 15 lineup, September 2023.
- Last Lightning iPhones: iPhone 14 lineup and iPhone SE 3rd generation.
- Speed: Pro models support faster USB 3 data transfer with a USB 3 cable; standard models use USB 2 speeds.
- When selling: no cable is needed; keep the USB-C cable for the next phone.
Which iPhone was the first with USB-C?
The iPhone 15 lineup was the first with USB-C, announced in September 2023. Apple replaced Lightning, which it had used since the iPhone 5 in 2012. The table lists connectors by model.
| Models | Connector |
|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 17e | USB-C |
| iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max | USB-C |
| iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 lineup | USB-C |
| iPhone 15 lineup | USB-C |
| iPhone 14 lineup | Lightning |
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Lightning |
| iPhone 13, 12 and 11 lineups, iPhone SE (2nd generation) | Lightning |
| iPhone 5 to iPhone XS, XR | Lightning |
| Original iPhone to iPhone 4s | 30-pin dock connector |
Lightning lasted 11 years, from 2012 to 2023, across more than 30 iPhone models.
Why did Apple switch to USB-C?
Apple switched to USB-C after the European Union adopted a common charger rule, Directive (EU) 2022/2380, which requires USB-C ports on new phones sold in the EU from December 28, 2024. Apple adopted USB-C worldwide with the iPhone 15 rather than build separate versions. USB-C also matched the port already used on iPads and Macs, so one cable charges every current Apple device.
Does USB-C raise resale value?
USB-C adds to resale demand, because buyers can use the same cable as their Mac, iPad, AirPods and many Android devices. The effect is part of a larger generational difference: USB-C models are also newer, with newer chips and longer remaining iOS support. No public data isolates the dollar effect of the port alone. The table summarizes the difference.
| Attribute | USB-C models | Lightning models |
|---|---|---|
| Cable compatibility | Shared with iPad, Mac and many accessories | Lightning accessories only |
| Age | 2023 or later | 2022 or earlier |
| Accessory market | Growing | Shrinking |
| Resale position | Higher demand within similar tiers | Priced mainly on age, storage and condition |
iPhone Resale Value by Model: Which Sell for the Most compares models.
Which cable to include when selling?
Including a cable is not needed when selling, because the offer is based on the phone alone. Keep a USB-C cable for the next iPhone, iPad or Mac. A Lightning cable from an iPhone 14 or earlier fits fewer current devices; keep it for older accessories or recycle it. Chargers and cables count only when they were added to the quote. Can You Sell an iPhone Without the Box or Charger? explains accessories.
How fast is USB-C on iPhone?
USB-C speed depends on the model. The table lists the iPhone 15 and 16 lineups, where Apple published the speeds.
| Models | Data speed |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 16, 16 Plus, 16e | USB 2, up to 480 Mbps |
| iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max | USB 3, up to 10 Gbps with a USB 3 cable |
The cable included in the box with these models supports USB 2 speeds, so USB 3 transfers need a separate USB 3 cable. Apple's technical specifications list the speed for each later model.
What can a USB-C iPhone connect to?
A USB-C iPhone can connect to 5 types of devices through its port:
- Chargers: any USB-C Power Delivery charger.
- Storage: USB-C flash drives and SSDs, readable in the Files app.
- Displays: external monitors through a USB-C cable or adapter.
- Accessories: USB-C headphones, microphones and keyboards.
- Other devices: the iPhone can charge AirPods or an Apple Watch through a USB-C cable.
Pro models can record video directly to an external drive, which suits video creators.
Does a USB-C iPhone use a different charger?
A USB-C iPhone uses any USB-C charger, including Apple's 20W adapter and higher-wattage chargers, which the phone limits to its supported power. Older Lightning adapters with USB-A ports still work with a USB-A to USB-C cable. Wireless charging through Qi, Qi2 and MagSafe works the same on USB-C and Lightning models from the iPhone 12 onward.
What happens to Lightning accessories?
Lightning accessories, such as wired headphones and docks, work with USB-C iPhones only through an adapter, such as Apple's USB-C to Lightning Adapter. Accessories that are no longer useful can be recycled at electronics drop-offs. Apple-branded accessories can be recycled through Apple.
Is a bad USB-C port graded like a Lightning fault?
A bad USB-C port is graded the same way as a Lightning port fault, as a functional fault with a model-specific deduction. Testing checks charging, a data connection and wireless charging. Clean lint from the port gently with a wooden toothpick before declaring a fault. Selling an iPhone With a Bad Charging Port covers the tests.
Should I upgrade from Lightning to USB-C before selling?
Upgrading to a USB-C iPhone makes sense when the current phone is an iPhone 14 or older and a single cable for every device is useful. Selling the Lightning phone offsets part of the cost. Older Lightning models still sell for cash when they run current iOS. Is My Old iPhone Worth Anything? Selling Older Models covers older models.
Do iPads and Macs use the same USB-C?
Current iPads and Macs use USB-C or Thunderbolt ports that accept USB-C cables, so a single cable works across iPhone 15 and later, iPads and Macs. Thunderbolt ports on Macs support faster speeds, but a USB-C iPhone connects at its own maximum speed.
Which accepted models use each connector?
The 33 models most buybacks accept split between the 2 connectors. The table counts them.
| Connector | Accepted models | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning | iPhone 11 lineup, iPhone 12 lineup, iPhone 13 lineup, iPhone 14 lineup, iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation | 17 |
| USB-C | iPhone 15 lineup, iPhone 16 lineup, iPhone 16e, iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max | 16 |
Both groups are bought for cash in working and damaged condition. Sell iPhone: Every Model and Condition We Buy lists every model.
How do I tell whether my iPhone has USB-C or Lightning?
Tell the connector apart by its shape. A USB-C port is an oval opening with a small center tab, and the cable plug is a hollow oval. A Lightning port is a narrower slot, and the cable plug is a flat, solid blade. The model name in Settings > General > About also confirms it: iPhone 15 or later means USB-C.
Does USB-C change data transfer before selling?
USB-C makes wired backups to a Mac or PC faster on Pro models with a USB 3 cable, which helps when backing up large photo libraries before selling. Quick Start transfers between iPhones work the same on both connectors, over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a cable. How to Transfer Data to a New iPhone Before Selling the Old One compares methods.
Can a USB-C iPhone charge other devices?
A USB-C iPhone can charge AirPods, an Apple Watch or another small device through a USB-C cable, with the iPhone acting as a power source at a low rate. Lightning iPhones cannot do this through the port. The feature is useful but does not change the phone's grade or offer.
Did the USB-C switch change iPhone water resistance?
The switch to USB-C did not reduce water resistance ratings. Recent models carry IP68 ratings under Apple's specifications, the same rating class as recent Lightning Pro models. Water resistance declines over time with normal wear, and liquid damage is not covered by the warranty.
What happens to Lightning cables and adapters I no longer need?
Lightning cables and adapters that are no longer needed can be given to someone with a Lightning device, sold with an older iPhone in a private sale or recycled at an electronics drop-off. They add no value to a buyback offer. Recycle or Sell Your Old iPhone? How to Decide covers recycling options.
Does USB-C affect MagSafe?
USB-C does not affect MagSafe, which charges through the magnetic coil on the back. MagSafe chargers for iPhone 15 and later use a USB-C cable to the power adapter. MagSafe works on every model from the iPhone 12 onward, whether the port is Lightning or USB-C.
Which charger wattage suits a USB-C iPhone?
A USB-C Power Delivery charger of 20W or more supports fast charging on iPhone 15 and later, which Apple rates at up to 50% charge in about 30 minutes on many models with a 20W adapter or higher. Higher-wattage laptop chargers are safe, because the iPhone draws only the power it supports. Use certified chargers to avoid heat and port damage.
Does the USB-C port wear out?
A USB-C port can wear from years of plugging and unplugging, like a Lightning port, and lint buildup is the most common cause of loose connections. Clean it gently with a wooden toothpick when the plug feels loose. A worn port is graded as a functional fault when it no longer charges reliably.
What should I record about the port before selling?
Record 2 checks about the port before selling: whether wired charging works with a known-good cable and whether the phone connects to a computer. Note any problem in the quote form. Testing confirms both on arrival.
Does a USB-C iPhone work with CarPlay cables?
A USB-C iPhone works with wired CarPlay through a USB-C cable, or a USB-C to USB-A cable for cars with USB-A ports. Many recent cars also support wireless CarPlay, which needs no cable. Older Lightning CarPlay cables do not fit USB-C iPhones.
Is USB-C on iPhone the same as on Android phones?
USB-C on iPhone uses the same connector standard as most Android phones, so the same chargers and many cables work with both. Feature support, such as data speed and display output, depends on each phone's own specifications.
Frequently asked questions about USB-C iPhones
Which iPhone was the first to have USB-C?
The iPhone 15 lineup, announced in September 2023, was the first with USB-C: the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Every later iPhone, including the iPhone 16 and 17 lineups, the iPhone Air, the iPhone 16e and 17e and the iPhone 18 Pro models, also uses USB-C.
Does the iPhone 14 have USB-C?
The iPhone 14 lineup does not have USB-C; the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max use Lightning. The iPhone SE 3rd generation, released in 2022, also uses Lightning. The switch to USB-C began with the iPhone 15 lineup in September 2023. The model name in Settings > General > About confirms the connector: iPhone 15 or later means USB-C.
Does USB-C increase an iPhone's resale value?
USB-C adds to resale demand, because buyers can share one cable across iPhone, iPad, Mac and many accessories. The effect is part of a broader generational difference, since USB-C models are also newer with longer iOS support. No public data isolates the dollar value of the port alone. Apple lists the data speed of each model in its technical specifications.
Do I need to include the cable when I sell my iPhone?
The cable is not needed when selling, because the offer is based on the phone alone, and chargers or cables count only when added to the quote. Keep a USB-C cable for the next iPhone, iPad or Mac. Ship the phone wrapped and padded without its accessories. Keep USB-C cables and chargers for current iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Why did Apple switch the iPhone to USB-C?
Apple switched to USB-C after the European Union adopted Directive (EU) 2022/2380, which requires USB-C ports on new phones sold in the EU from December 28, 2024. Apple adopted USB-C worldwide with the iPhone 15, matching the port already used on iPads and Macs. Lightning accessories work with USB-C iPhones only through an adapter.
Sources and references
- Apple Newsroom: iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro announcements, September 2023.
- European Union: Directive (EU) 2022/2380 on a common charger.
- Apple: iPhone technical specifications, including USB-C data speeds by model.