Apple Considered iPhone 15 With Lightning Port Before Swapping to USB-C

[MacRumors]

Early on in the iPhone 15 development process, Apple created a version that included a Lightning port, according to Apple leaker Unknownz21. In a tweet, Unknownz21 said that Apple tested an iPhone 15 with a Lightning port "very early on" but that it was "quickly scrapped" in favor of the USB-C version.

iPhone 15 models equipped with USB-C instead of Lightning were in testing as early as January 2022, and all designs after March 2022 focused on a USB-C port.

Apple's transition to USB-C on the iPhone has been one of the most consistent rumors, and the company is expected to ditch the Lightning port for all four models that are coming this year. Both Pro and standard models alike will charge via USB-C instead of Lightning, a first for the iPhone.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1648326524045541377

USB-C ports have been included in the Mac lineup since 2015 and the iPad line since 2018. All iPads that Apple sells now feature a USB-C port, in fact, so the only iOS devices that still use Lightning are the iPhones. Apple is planning to transition to USB-C for the iPhone because of European regulations that mandate a common charger for electronic devices.

The Lightning port is not permitted under these rules, so Apple had the option of introducing USB-C just in Europe and sticking with Lightning everywhere else, or using USB-C worldwide and eliminating Lightning entirely. USB-C across all Apple devices will make charging simpler because iPhones, iPads, and Macs will be able to share the same cable and power adapter.

Apple will eventually need to update the third-generation AirPods, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard, and original Apple Pencil, all devices that continue to charge with Lightning.

Apple may not need to rely on USB-C charging for too long, as the company has been pushing MagSafe wireless charging. iPhones since the iPhone 12 have incorporated MagSafe, and Apple could be planning to add similar technology to future iPad models. There have been rumors that Apple's eventual goal is to have a portless, all-display iPhone, and with MagSafe and the upcoming launch of Qi2, that may be possible at some point. The Qi2 standard will allow for faster MagSafe-like charging speeds and will serve as a more open alternative to MagSafe.

Article Link: Apple Considered iPhone 15 With Lightning Port Before Swapping to USB-C

 

[TrenttonY]

Apple, please make all future USB-C cords braided like the ones that came with the 24" iMac.

 

[Porco]

All iPads that Apple sells now feature a USB-C port, in fact, so the only iOS devices that still use Lightning are the iPhones

This is incorrect, Apple still sell the marvellous 9th gen iPad which still features a Lightning port.

 

[visualseed]

I guess saying early prototypes still had a lightning port was too boring and on the nose. Seriously, this is just headline fail.

 

[MacFan782040]

The iPhone 15 Pro should use a Thunderbolt cable, like the M1 iPad does.

 

[antiprotest]

Anybody can say anything.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Why is it so hard for Apple to implement USB-C? Let go of the lighting. It's over 10 years old. It is outdated.

 

[redbeard331]

I just hope they can make the usb-c port as durable as the lightning port.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Apple, please make all future USB-C cords braided like the ones that came with the 24" iMac.

Funny, I have two braided cords (Watch and Magic Keyboard) that I won’t use because I figure they’ll get grimy so I use my existing cords.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

If Apple doesn't get rid of the lightning port. Get yourself ready for the struggle. We will be coming across this. 👇

 

[howywood]

****ing insanity if anyone under Tim Apple considered still supporting the lightning cable in a 2023 device.

End it already.

 

[tranceking26]

It's good that everything will soon be using the same cable, let's hope they sell durable ones too.

I'll be a lightning peasant for a few more years though! 😅

 

[Verified Whiskey]

All iPads that Apple sells now feature a USB-C port, in fact, so the only iOS devices that still use Lightning are the iPhones.

I think you’re forgetting about the 9th gen iPad. That has lightning still.

 

[frownface]

what's the bet that when they do announce the new iphone with usb-c, they'll tout the environmental benefits of the unified cable.

(despite the years of arguing that changing would be bad for e-waste)

 

[PerfectChaos]

When Lightning was first announced, Apple said it was the connector for the next decade. They sure meant it.

 

[Aves]

If Apple doesn't get rid of the lightning port. Get yourself ready for the struggle. We will be coming across this. 👇

View attachment 2190482

but I really want that adapter!!!
I have a trillion lighthing cables all around the house, car, work etc 😂
😂😂

 

[Soccertess]

I just hope they can make the usb-c port as durable as the lightning port.

I'm not really concerned about that, other manufactures have been able to make it IP68-rated. Although I liked how the lightning snapped into place, seemed secure. But I take less cables any day. Thank you Europe, Apple would be having us living in a dongle world till we die. It's the legacy of Tim Cook, his love with dongles and squeezing the extra dollars out of customers. I think he laughs every day because he knows someone in the world every second has forgotten their dongle at home and is having a moment!

 

[bLackjackj]

This is news to anyone? The phone has probably been in the planning for 2+ years! 🙄🤦‍♂️

 

[sorgo †]

I know it’s coming but on the other hand Lighting has become so ingrained that an iPhone with USB-C is something I need to see to believe.

 

[xxray]

Looking forward to USB-C, but it doesn’t seem like I’ll ever be able to have my dream of USB-C everything. Right now, my iPhone, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max are all still lightning. My Apple Watch has its own charger. I still have USB-A to lightning chargers too. Trying to keep organized:

• USB-C to USB-C
• USB-C to Lightning
• USB-C to Apple Watch charger
• USB-A to Lightning
• Edit: forgot USB-C to MagSafe for MacBooks too

is a messy, annoying [first world] nightmare.

 

[blazerunner]

what's the bet that when they do announce the new iphone with usb-c, they'll tout the environmental benefits of the unified cable.

(despite the years of arguing that changing would be bad for e-waste)

Theyd actually earn respect if they just admitted they should have done it sooner.

They won't though, theyre greed addicted scumbags with no integrity.

 

[ohthehorror]

Theyd actually earn respect if they just admitted they should have done it sooner.

They won't though, theyre greed addicted scumbags with no integrity.

Best quote ever. Greed addicted scumbags is spot on.

 

[bigjnyc]

Theyd actually earn respect if they just admitted they should have done it sooner.

They won't though, theyre greed addicted scumbags with no integrity.

Sooooo, like any other corporation whose goal is to make as much money as possible?

If you think there’s a publicly traded corporation out there whose goal is to make as much money as possible, with any integrity then you’re sorely mistaken…. Some may pretend they have integrity publicly, but I can assure you behind closed doors in those board rooms they are hatching up ways to milk their customers.

 

[randyhudson]

They’ve been delaying USB-C until sales slumped enough, which has finally happened.

 

[SkydiveGuy]

I just hope they can make the usb-c port as durable as the lightning port.

It wont be.
The best part about lightning is the "clips" that keep it in place are on the cable not the port (unlike USB-C where the port has the "clips").
What does this mean? When the retention fails on the device you used to be able to just get a new cable but now you will need to replace the USB-C port or the entire device.