Last week there were indications that Apple wants to exchange the Lightning port for the universal USB-C connection. Now a reliable Apple insider confirms this rumor: the iPhone may get USB-C.
iPhone with usb-c
Last Wednesday, trusted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to say goodbye to the Lightning port. The iPhone 15 series (which is expected to appear in September 2023) would be equipped with a USB-C connection.
The highly reliable Apple insider Mark Gurman is now confirming this rumor. “Apple is testing iPhones in which the current Lightning port has been replaced by the more common USB-C,” he writes on the American news site Bloomberg† According to Gurman, Apple is also developing a new adapter that will allow future iPhones to work with accessories that have a Lightning connector.
Ming-Chi Kuo and Mark Gurman are known as the most trusted Apple insiders today. There is a good chance that the rumors are true. The switch to USB-C would be a big one: it is only the second port change in iPhone history.
Still, it’s no surprise. Most iPads (the iPad Pro, iPad Air and iPad mini) have already switched from Lightning to USB-C. The MacBook also has this connection. In addition, new European legislation was ‘an important reason’ to switch to USB-C, Gurman writes. The bill obliges manufacturers to provide smartphones and other gadgets with a USB-C connection.
Why usb-c?
A USB-C port for the iPhone has many advantages. This allows faster charging speeds. There is also a much faster data transfer: transferring huge 4K files is done in seconds. Moreover, you only need one charger to power your iPhone, Mac and iPad.
There is also a disadvantage, because many Apple accessories (including the AirPods, Apple TV Remote, MagSafe charger) still use Lightning. To make these accessories work with iPhones with USB-C, Apple is therefore developing a new adapter. You may get this adapter for free if you buy an iPhone with USB-C, although this is not certain yet.
Apple has also tested an iPhone without a charging port in recent years, Gurman knows. For now, however, there is no such thing. Wireless charging is slower and data syncing is slower. It is also not practical in all situations, such as in cars where a cable is still required for CarPlay.
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