According to Bloomberg, Apple has been conducting recent testing of iPhone prototypes with the USB-C ports.
USB-C is the common standard for most smartphone connectors but Apple has always maintained its own connector, Lightning. However, Apple has already switched to USB-C with the most recent iPad and iPad Pro tablets.
According to Bloomberg, one of the biggest motivating factors in making the change is a new EU ruling that requires that consumer electronics companies adopt USB-C as a common wired connection standard. A switch to USB-C would require iPhone users to either replace existing Lightning accessories or use an adapter, which Apple are reportedly working on.
Bloomberg said that none of these changes are likely to take place before 2023, since the design for the newest model of the iPhone, set to launch in the Fall of this year are fitted with Lightning connectors like their predecessors.
USB-C is the most recent iteration of the USB connection technology. Standing for Universal Serial Bus, USB has become the industry standard for cables and connectors since it was first launched in the mid-90s.