Rumor mill: Apple has doggedly caught to its Lightning port for the iPhone as USB-C more and more turns into the usual for different transportable gadgets. However, Apple could lastly give it up subsequent 12 months. The transfer could possibly be spurred on by exterior strain.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo tweeted Wednesday that Apple will launch an iPhone within the second half of 2023 — presumably the iPhone 15 — that can use a USB-C port as an alternative of its proprietary Lightning port. Kuo based mostly his prediction on a provide chain survey. Kuo mentioned switching to USB-C may result in higher switch and charging speeds for {hardware} designs.
Apple has confronted strain from regulators and customers to supply iPhones appropriate with USB-C cables, which many shoppers already personal. Everything from competing smartphones to the Nintendo Switch has already made USB-C the usual. Even MacBooks and iPads now use the extra widespread various. The iPhone is Apple’s final holdout.
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It’s anticipated to see present USB-C-related suppliers of Apple’s ecosystem (e.g., IC controller, connector) grow to be the market’s focus within the subsequent 1-2 years, due to huge orders from iPhones and equipment’ adoption of USB-C ports.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 11, 2022
Even although it will likely be Apple’s first official iPhone with USB-C, it isn’t the primary ever. Late final 12 months, a Swiss modder constructed a customized USB-C port into an iPhone, then revealed directions for the process.
On the regulatory entrance, the European Union got here one step nearer to enacting standardized digital gadget chargers final month. If authorized, it may pressure iPhones to modify to USB-C. However, if Kuo’s evaluation pans out, the brand new laws could be a principally moot level, and iPhone customers can rejoice having just one cable to cost all of their gadgets.
