A New Era for iPhone: The Shift from Lightning to USB-C
Written on
The End of Lightning: A Welcome Change
It's time to bid farewell to the Lightning port, at least for now. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that Apple is not fully ready to embrace a portless iPhone just yet. Instead, they are focused on an even more significant development that could bring exciting news from Cupertino.
My Ongoing Frustration with Apple
I've openly expressed my disdain for the Lightning port, and I understand if my repeated critiques have annoyed some. Lightning is a persistent blemish on Apple’s otherwise polished lineup, and its eventual removal seems to be on the horizon.
The Drawbacks of Lightning
Lightning presents two main issues: it is painfully slow and not USB-C compatible. The widely adopted USB-C standard boasts data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, while Lightning barely manages 480Mbps, akin to USB 2.0 speeds. This is frustratingly inadequate.
Charging speeds tell a similar story. USB-C allows for native power support of up to 240W, along with USB Power Delivery (PD) for rapid charging. In contrast, Lightning limps along at a maximum of 12W, and to achieve any kind of fast charging, a USB-C to Lightning adapter is necessary.
The greatest inconvenience, however, lies in compatibility. Today, almost all rechargeable devices feature a USB-C port. Even Apple has transitioned to this standard for its MacBooks and most iPads, leaving the iPhone, AirPods, and the 9th generation iPad as the odd ones out. This necessitates carrying both a Lightning and USB-C cable, which is impractical.
These Accessories Will Transform Your iPad
Welcome to the world of magnetic iPad stands!
The AirPods Max, Apple's high-end over-ear headphones, are particularly out of place in an increasingly USB-C world.
The Decline of Lightning
Despite Apple's financial gains from Lightning due to MFi licensed accessories, it's time for this port to fade into oblivion.
Could USB-C Be Coming to the iPhone in 2023?
The European Union has been advocating for a universal charging port to minimize electronic waste. The rationale is clear: if all small and medium devices use the same charging cable, users can maintain fewer chargers, leading to reduced e-waste. This change benefits both the environment and user convenience.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple might be ready to make this switch sooner than expected. Recent insights suggest that the upcoming 2023 iPhone could finally replace the Lightning port with USB-C. This would align Apple's flagship smartphone with the rest of the tech world.
If this rumor holds true, it’s fantastic news. Not only would charging become more convenient, but it would also allow for significantly faster data transfer speeds, something desperately needed by those using iPhones for high-quality ProRes video recording.
Beyond the iPhone
In a follow-up to his earlier comments, Kuo elaborated on why Apple is momentarily shelving the idea of a portless iPhone, citing limitations in current wireless technology and an underdeveloped MagSafe ecosystem. He then hinted at a broader strategy, suggesting that the rumored USB-C iPhone could be part of a larger transition for Apple.
This shift could pave the way for USB-C adoption across all Apple products, including AirPods and other accessories. This would be a monumental step forward, especially for users like myself whose AirPods and Magic Keyboard often run low on battery—primarily because I never have a Lightning cable handy.
5 Things I Don’t Like About Apple
I will NOT let number 5 go.
It's clear that regulatory pressures are pushing Apple to transition to USB-C and phase out Lightning—an overdue change.
Before You Go
If you appreciate my writing, remember, it’s just a glimpse of what I share on Medium. I’m a paying member myself and highly recommend joining. Click here to support my work!