Is Apple Reissuing Last Year's iPhone 14 Models With USB Type-C Port?

Could Apple be refreshing last year's iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus? Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 15 series in September. The new iPhones are expected to come with a USB Type-C port and a new Action Button on the Pro iteration, along with performance and camera improvements.

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Details shared by an X (formerly Twitter) user @aaronp613 show two unnamed devices in a recent tvOS 17 beta update that was rolled out to beta testers before the stable release.

tvOS 17.0 Beta 5 references two iPhone models that currently don't exist:

iPhone14,1
iPhone14,9

¡ª Aaron (@aaronp613) August 9, 2023

Is Apple refreshing iPhone 14 series?

The beta references two iPhone models that currently don't exist - iPhone 14,1 and iPhone 14,9. In addition, the tipster claimed that four other models were references in the first tVOS 17 beta (removed later) that are most likely part of the upcoming iPhone 15 line-up.

Could it be that Apple is re-releasing the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus with a USB Type-C charging port? This could be entirely possible, considering the European Union has mandated a standard port for charging on smartphones.

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Also read: Biggest Reason To Upgrade To iPhone 15 Pro Isn't Worth It, Leaker Suggests

The EU law will go into effect in 2024, meaning that no iPhone models made before this year's upcoming iPhone 15 models would be sold in the bloc after that. It would make sense for Apple to reissue iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus with the updated Type-C port for users who prefer to buy an older generation of iPhone that usually becomes available for cheaper as soon as the new one launches.

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Also read: Countdown To iPhone 15 Series: New iPhones Could Launch On September 12

Apple usually discontinues its existing iPhone Pro and Pro Max models once the new ones are released. At the same time, the base models are sold for years to come. In addition to EU, the US state of California has also mandated the USB Type-C port on electronics. This law will go into effect in 2026.

Would you pay for a refreshed iPhone 14 line-up with Type-C or is this Apple's attempt at a cash grab? Let us know in the comments below.