Introduction
Apple is testing an Apple USB-C iPhone instead of a lightning port. While the iPhone still uses the Lightning connector, for now. Apple has been transitioning numerous of its devices to USB-C in recent years. And if Apple changes ports, the first Apple USB-C iPhone could see a 2023 launch.
The Rumors
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman have said that Apple is testing a sample version of the Apple USB-C iPhone instead of a lightning port.
A USB-C port would centralize Apple’s device lineup, allowing most people to utilize a single USB-C charger to charge up their iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Shifting to USB-C would also allow for faster charging, and it would enable faster transfer speeds.
Why USB-C?
The European Union is working on legislation that would want Apple to use a universal port standard across its product lineup, basically proscribing proprietary charging methods like lightning.
Still, Apple will need to release an Apple USB-C iPhone in Europe to conform to regulations. which means Apple would need to develop a unique Europe-only Apple USB-C iPhone or transition to Apple USB-C iPhone on a worldwide basis If passed.
The European Parliament has voted in favor of the legislation. which will force all consumer electronics manufacturers who sell devices in Europe to make sure that phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, headsets, speakers, and handheld video game consoles charge via USB-C with no exceptions except for devices too small to support a USB-C port like the Apple Watch.
Apple now offers USB-C ports on every Mac it sells, ranging from the MacBook Air to the Mac Pro. Other devices with a USB-C port include the 2018 and makeshift iPad Pro, 2020 and newer iPad Air, sixth-generation iPad Mini, Studio Display, and Pro Display XDR. Apple also consists of a USB-C port on the Magic Keyboard for iPad, on the Beats Flex, and the charging cases for the Beats, Studio Buds, and Beats Fit Pro.
Five Apple Products Rumored to Switch to USB-C
Rumors suggest that at least five different Apple products and accessories will also shift to USB-C in the future, as outlined below.
iPhone 15
While the iPhone 14 is anticipated to stick with the Lightning connector, at least one new iPhone 15 model will feature an Apple USB-C iPhone, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Shortly after Kuo shared this information, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple was testing prototype Apple USB-C iPhone models with USB-C ports.
Last month, the European Union announced that it reached an agreement to present a new law that would make USB-C the standard charging port across all new smartphones, tablets, headphones, and numerous other electronics by the fall of 2024. iPhone 15 models are awaited to launch around September 2023, ahead of the European Union’s deadline.
Entry-Level iPad.
Apple plans to update its entry-level/lower-cost iPad with a USB-C port, according to both 9to5Mac’s Filipe Esposito and Gurman. Apple could release the 10th- generation iPad in September, as it did with the last three generations of the device.
The launch of the 10th- generation iPad would complete Apple’s transition to USB-C across its entire iPad lineup after four years.
AirPods Charging Cases
Once the iPhone switches to USB-C, Kuo said he expects other Apple accessories to take up USB-C in the foreseeable future, including AirPods charging cases.
Apple is anticipated to announce the second-generation AirPods Pro after this year. Still, rumors have been clashing about whether the new charging case will continue to use the Lightning connector or switch to a USB-C port.
MagSafe Battery Pack
Another accessory that Kuo expects to shift from Lightning to USB-C in the future, is the MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone 12 and makeshift.
Magic Mouse/ Trackpad/ Keyboard Trio
Finally, Kuo expects Apple’s trio of Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse accessories for the Mac to adopt USB-C ports in the future. All three accessories are now prepared with a lightning connector for charging.
Launch Date
The 2022 iPhone 14 models will continue to utilize a lightning port, and the premier that Apple is anticipating to make the exchange to USB-C is 2023. That would see the iPhone 15 models adopting a USB-C port. unless Apple decides to delay its usual plans. Beyond the iPhone 15 launching in the second half of 2023, there’s no clear timeframe for other Apple products swapping to USB-C.
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