Which iPhones use USB-C?

iPhone 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e all use USB-C.

Which iPhones use Lightning?

iPhone 14 and all earlier models use Lightning. This includes iPhone SE (3rd gen).

No. The connectors are physically different. You need a USB-C cable or a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter.

By WillItSnap Team · March 2026

iPhone 15 and newer use USB-C. iPhone 14 and older use Lightning. The two connectors are physically different and cables are not interchangeable.

Port	iPhones
USB-C	iPhone 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 16e
Lightning	iPhone 14 and all earlier models, iPhone SE (3rd gen)

Speed: USB-C supports USB 3.0+ data transfer (up to 10Gbps on Pro models). Lightning caps at USB 2.0 (480Mbps).
Charging: Both support fast charging, but USB-C allows higher wattages (up to 30W on iPhone 16 Pro).
Compatibility: USB-C is the universal standard — same cable for your MacBook, iPad, Android phone, and Nintendo Switch.
Case impact: The bottom cutout is a different size and shape. Lightning and USB-C cases are not interchangeable.

USB Power Delivery — a fast-charging standard that can deliver up to 240W over USB-C cables.

Apple's magnetic charging and accessory system for iPhone, using a ring of magnets for precise alignment.