Apple’s USB-C iPhone: When is it coming?
Apple is testing an iPhone with a USB-C connector rather than a Lightning connection; if the company chooses to switch, the first USB-C iPhone might be released in 2023.
The Rumors
Apple is testing a prototype iPhone that features a USB-C connector rather than a Lightning port, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
A USB-C connector would unify Apple’s product range, enabling most users to charge their iPhone, iPad, and Mac with a single USB-C charger. Additionally, switching to USB-C would offer higher transmission and charging rates.
Why USB-C?
The European Union is drafting regulations that would forbid Apple from using exclusive charging technologies like Lightning and compel the company to utilise a universal connector standard across its entire product range.
If adopted, Apple would be required to issue a USB-C iPhone in Europe in order to meet with rules, which would require Apple to either create a unique USB-C iPhone designed just for Europe or switch to USB-C for the iPhone globally.
With the exception of gadgets like the Apple Watch that are too small to support a USB-C port, all consumer electronics manufacturers who sell products in Europe are now required to make sure that all phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, headsets, speakers, and handheld video game consoles charge via USB-C.
USB-C Downsides
Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analyst back in 2021, predicted that the company would continue with Lightning for the “foreseeable future” since it would lessen the iPhone’s level of waterproofing.
The decision to switch to USB-C has subsequently been reversed by Apple, although it’s unclear if this will affect the iPhone’s water resistance rating or whether Apple will be able to create a USB-C connector that is as water resistant as a Lightning port.
Apple has some influence over the ecosystem of iPhone-specific accessories using Lightning thanks to its Made for iPhone (MFi) programme. Obtaining Apple’s certification is required for third-party producers that wish to create Apple-certified products, and USB-C would enable a whole new variety of marketable peripherals.
Also Read: Kuo: Apple to Increase Prices of iPhone 14 Pro Models
Apple would likely lose out on the licencing money that it presently receives as well as having less control over USB-C accessories made for the iPhone.
USB-C Accessories
If Apple decides to switch the iPhone over to USB-C, we may anticipate that additional accessories that now utilise a Lightning connector would follow suit. This includes gadgets like the Magic Mouse, AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, among others.
Release Date
The 2022 iPhone 14 models will still have a Lightning connector, and Apple is not likely to switch to USB-C until at least 2023. If Apple doesn’t decide to postpone its present plans, it would result in the iPhone 15 models adopting a USB-C connector.
