The rumor circulates every year: Apple would like to exchange the Lightning port for USB-C. There are even rumors that the tech giant is working on a portless iPhone. Will the iPhone 14 be the first phone without a Lightning connection?
iPhone 14: Lightning or USB-C?
As the tech industry moves towards USB-C, Apple is sticking to the Lightning port. At least: with the iPhone. The MacBook has had usb-c for a while, and the iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro are also equipped with the connection. But where is the iPhone?
If Apple removes the Lightning connector in its phones, it won’t be because of USB-C. Trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in March that Apple has no intention of making the switch. That has two reasons.
First of all, usb-c would make the iPhone less water resistant. In addition, Apple earns a lot from its Lightning cables. The company recommends using cables that they have certified themselves and carry the Made For iPhone (MFi) logo. This program generates a lot of revenue for Apple, because manufacturers have to pay a hefty commission to make Lightning accessories. An iPhone 14 with USB-C is therefore very unlikely.
iPhone 14 without port?
More likely, Apple will remove the Lightning port from the iPhone and leave nothing in its place. Apple analyst Kuo previously reported that Apple is aiming for a portless design for the iPhone. Charging would then only be possible with MagSafe, Apple’s new wireless charging technology.
However, MagSafe is not yet able to transfer data or perform a recovery mode, which is essential anyway. It doesn’t look like this will change anytime soon, so we expect the iPhone 14 to keep the Lightning connector.
We will no doubt hear more rumors about this in the coming months. Want to stay on top of the iPhone 14 rumors? Sign up for our newsletter: