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It feels like the iPhone’s Lightning connector has been under pressure for years. Many iPhone users would be only too happy to part with Apple’s own connector and switch to the widespread USB-C connector system. As is well known, such rumors have so far not come true. Now the Apple expert Ming Chi Kuo, who is mostly correct with his predictions, has spoken in a Twitter post. According to this, the Lightning port of the iPhone is to be replaced by a USB-C connection as early as next year.
Bye Bye Lightning: iPhone 15 should come with USB-C
10 years have passed since Apple introduced the Lightning connector with the iPhone 5. The rumor that Apple is replacing the Lightning port on the iPhone with a USB-C port has been an integral part of the Apple smartphone rumor mill. According to a tweet by the famous analyst and Apple whisperer Ming Chi Kuo, the time will soon come. This refers to information from supplier circles and assumes that the Lightning port will end in the second half of 2023 – the year in which the iPhone 15 is also expected.
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My latest survey indicates that 2H23 new iPhone will abandon Lightning port and switch to USB-C port. USB-C could improve iPhone’s transfer and charging speed in hardware designs, but the final spec details still depend on iOS support.— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 11, 2022
If Kuo is right – the man has an impressive hit rate when it comes to his predictions – we should be looking forward to faster data transfer and even faster charging processes thanks to USB-C technology in about 1 1/2 years. Another advantage: You no longer have to fiddle around with different cable types and you can attach any USB-C cable that you also use for completely different devices to the iPhone.
iPhone 15 mockup with USB-C connector. (Source: @theapplehub)
In the last few meters: EU law is intended to standardize the charging connection
Meanwhile, the European Union is working on a law that will make USB-C the standard charging port for all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld video game consoles. The regulation has not yet been finally implemented by the EU, but it could become legally binding as early as next summer (via t3n). For Apple, which in the past has spoken out against having to install a specific connection, the switch to USB-C would be mandatory. In this context, Apple’s supposed step towards USB-C instead of Lightning could also be understood as anticipatory obedience.
Source: iPhone Tricks