
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Trusted Apple leaker Ming-Chi Kuo claims we may see an iPhone with USB-C in 2023.
- Kuo claims this primarily based on surveys of provide chain suppliers.
- It’s potential some iPhones may very well be portless on the similar time.
At this level, most main Apple merchandise include at the very least one USB-C port. That features trendy iPads, MacBooks, and Mac PCs. The iPhone is essentially the most notable product that also makes use of Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector, with AirPods instances additionally being caught with the port.
See additionally: The perfect USB-C cables you should buy
This might begin to change, lastly, as early as subsequent 12 months. Famed Apple leaker Ming-Chi Kuo says that an iPhone with USB-C instead of Lightning may launch within the second half of 2023. This means the iPhone 15 sequence may embrace at the very least one telephone with a USB-C port.
If the iPhone drops Lightning, it’s a certain guess AirPods and another merchandise Apple launches after that time would additionally undertake USB-C. In different phrases, this may very well be the start of the tip for the much-loathed Lightning protocol.
iPhone USB-C: A very long time coming
Apple isn’t giving up Lightning by itself accord, in fact. Strain from the European Fee is forcing Apple’s palms. The EU desires to cut back e-waste and can also be pushing for a “one-cable answer,” wherein one protocol works for just about all the things you personal. Lately, the fee introduced that USB-C could be that “one cable” protocol.
Primarily, Apple is aware of the clock is ticking for Lightning, and it must undertake USB-C ultimately. If Kuo is appropriate, that would imply an iPhone with USB-C in 2023.
What in regards to the rumors that Apple would abandon ports altogether? These may nonetheless be true. It’s potential Apple may launch the iPhone 15 Professional fashions — ostensibly the iPhone 15 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional Max — with none ports in any respect. That may imply the telephones would cost wirelessly solely and use eSIM completely. Nevertheless, the common iPhone fashions may have USB-C since they’re cheaper.
Additionally, Apple is prone to proceed launching iPhone SE fashions, and people telephones may additionally undertake USB-C. So Apple may do each the portless thought and the USB-C thought on the similar time.
Both means, it’s about time Lightning took a hike. The one-cable answer can’t come quickly sufficient.