Apple is testing an iPhone that uses a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port, and if Apple decides to swap the ports, the first USB-C iPhone could see a launch in 2023.
This guide covers everything we know about the move to USB-C.
Rumors
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and BloombergMark Gurman said Apple is testing a version of the iPhone that has a USB-C port instead of a Lightning port.
A USB-C port would unify Apple’s line of devices, allowing most people to use a single USB-C charger to charge their iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Switching to USB-C would also allow for faster charging and faster transfer speeds.
Why USB-C?
The European Union is working on legislation that would force Apple to use a universal port standard across its entire product line, essentially banning proprietary charging methods like Lightning.
If adopted, Apple will need to launch a USB-C iPhone in Europe to comply with the regulations. Apple will therefore have to develop a special iPhone USB-C only in Europe or switch to USB-C for the iPhone globally.
The European Parliament has so far voted in favor of the legislation, which would require all consumer electronics manufacturers selling devices in Europe to ensure that phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, headphones, high Speakers and portable video game consoles charge via USB-C without exception, except for devices too small to support a USB-C port like the Apple Watch.
Disadvantages of USB-C
In 2021, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple would stick with Lightning for “the foreseeable future” because it would compromise some of the waterproofness of the iPhone.
Apple has since backtracked on plans to stick with Lightning, but it’s unclear if the move to USB-C will impact the water resistance rating of the iPhone, or if Apple will be able to make a USB-C port as water resistant as a Lightning port.
With Lightning, Apple has some control over the ecosystem of accessories made for the iPhone through its Made for iPhone (MFi) program. Third-party manufacturers who want to produce Apple-certified devices must obtain Apple’s approval, and USB-C would open up a whole new range of accessories in the market.
Apple will likely have less control over USB-C accessories designed for the iPhone, and it would also lose the licensing fees it currently collects.
USB-C Accessories
If Apple switches to USB-C for the iPhone, we can expect to see other accessories that currently use a Lightning port also adopt USB-C. This includes devices such as AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Magic Mouse, etc.
Release date
2022 iPhone 14 models will continue to use a Lightning port, and the earliest Apple is expected to switch to USB-C is 2023. That would see iPhone 15 models adopt a USB-C port, unless that Apple decides to delay its current projects.
#Apple #USBC #iPhone #coming