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Apple may be ditching its proprietary port in favor of USB-C.
For a long time, Apple’s charging connection of choice was its own proprietary Lightning port and cable. However, while Lightning works fine, all of their devices using a connection system exclusive to them, as opposed to the USB-C format used by pretty much everyone else, is kind of annoying for those who seek more open-source electronics. According to a new rumor, Apple may be making the move to retire the Lightning system.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may be developing a new line of both iPhones and accessories like AirPods that utilize USB-C connections instead of Lightning connections. “My latest survey indicates that 2H23 new iPhone will abandon Lightning port and switch to USB-C port,” Kuo tweeted last week. “USB-C could improve iPhone’s transfer and charging speed in hardware designs, but the final spec details still depend on iOS support.”
It sounds like the USB-C revolution that may be sweeping through Apple applies to more than just smartphones. https://t.co/JyCeCLlLo2
— Mashable (@mashable) May 15, 2022
Yesterday, Kuo followed up with another tweet with some clarifications. “1. Portless iPhone may cause more problems due to current limitations of wireless technologies & the immature MagSafe ecosystem.”
“2. Other Lightning port products (e.g., AirPods, Magic Keyboard/Trackpad/Mouse, MagSafe Battery) would also switch to USB-C in the foreseeable future.”
This is still just a rumor, and even if it were true, Apple likely wouldn’t make the switchover until the back half of 2023 at the earliest. However, there is some plausibility to the rumor, given the recent scrutiny Apple has been facing in the EU over electronic waste. Switching to USB-C and shelving Lightning cables would go a long way toward getting the regulators off their collective back.
