It seems that Apple is equipping the iPhone with a USB-C connection. This connection then replaces the current Lightning connection that has been on the smartphone since 2012. Anonymous sources within Apple indicate that unfortunately it will take a while before we get an iPhone with USB-c from 2023.
The Lightning connector was introduced in 2012 and was found on all Apple mobile devices: iPads, AirPods, peripherals such as mice and of course iPhones. Compared to the 30-pin connector, which was replaced by Lightning, the technical possibilities were of course greater, but the connector is also reversible and of course a lot smaller.
However, there are also disadvantages: the connection is not universal. This means that only Apple may use the connection and peripheral manufacturers must pay license fees. In addition, the European Union is pushing for a single universal connection for rechargeable equipment. You only need one charger for all your equipment, which saves a huge mountain of different cables.
New standard
The USB-c connection introduced later, which replaces both the well-known rectangular traditional USB connection and the micro-USB connection (used on other smartphones and tablets at the time), is universal. This means that every manufacturer uses the connection. Not just for charging.
Technically, USB-c also offers advantages. For example, it replaces HDMI for the transmission of the image signal, faster data transfer is possible and the wattage is high enough to even charge laptops and fast-charge smartphones.
In short, usb-c is a big step forward compared to Lightning. The connection therefore quickly appeared on Macbooks and now almost all iPads are also equipped with USB-C. Not yet for the iPhone and AirPods. This could possibly be due to the sale of cables and licenses, which are still very lucrative.
Innovation under duress
Still, Apple seems to be forced to give up Lightning due to European regulations that combat abuse of power by major tech giants. In this case, by requiring one universal charger for all mobile devices from 2024.
It has been rumored for years that Apple chooses to supply the iPhone without a charging port from that moment on, so that it is only possible to charge the smartphone wirelessly.
iPhone with usb-c
Yet they are usually reliable sources that tell a different story. For example, Bloomberg reports that Apple is currently in a test phase to equip iPhones with the universal connection. Analyst Kuo also reports on Twitter that Apple is preparing for the new charger: iPhones, AirPods, Magic Keyboard and mouse and the Magsafe chargers will all have a USB-C connection. An adapter would also be developed so that existing equipment with a Lightning connection can still be charged and used.
However, Apple is in no rush. Both analysts indicate that Apple plans to make the switch by the end of 2023; just before the new European rules come into force. So it looks like the coming generations of iPhones and AirPods will still be equipped with the now outdated Lightning connection.
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