Darth Tulhu
macrumors 68020
The issue is that Apple always "leads" by doing it YEARS too early.
That said, we're at the point today that wireless headphones can be had for ~$30, and wireless charging is also inexpensive, so that's good.
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Barclays: iPhone 12 Models Will Have 'Refreshed' Face ID System, Lightning Connector Could Be Dropped in 2021
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The issue is that Apple always "leads" by doing it YEARS too early.
That said, we're at the point today that wireless headphones can be had for ~$30, and wireless charging is also inexpensive, so that's good.
True wireless charging is still yet to come. Many consumers want the ability to use a device normally while charging and right now wired charging is the only way to do that.
Darth Tulhu
macrumors 68020
There'll be nowhere to jump ship to eventually.
EVERYONE copies Apple on these things, unfortunately.
That said, companies like Samsung at least wait a few years until the infrastructure catches up.
Except there you are on a bus or a train, and there is a USB power port, but you can't use it and also use your phone because the phone is wireless and needs to be positioned over a charging mat. It's silly to pursue thinness, no bevels, etc. at the cost of loss of function. When Apple creates a iPhone with a battery that can run full tilt all day without recharging, can do wireless charging without having to be positioned on a charging mat, or can be charged in an instant (swappable batteries come to mind), then I might be interested. Otherwise not so much. And I still use wired headphones because they sound better, don't run out of charge, and are not disposable like Apple's wireless earbuds.
It won’t happen....yet.
A completely wireless device would lead the question to ask, how would Apple reboot/restore the iPhone without a lightning/charging port if it was completely wireless? There has to be a formal way for a proper restore, and I question how that properly could be executed with it missing.
Everyone who says it’s impossible for an iPhone not to have ports sound like the people who said it’d be impossible to use an iPhone without a home button.
Apple will probably do the same thing when the X came out. Put the same (or most) the same hardware in a regular phone with features some can’t live without. People can choose between the radical new feature / form factor (iPhone 12 Pro) or the trusty features the swear by (iPhone 12).
Apple will probably do the same thing when the X came out. Put the same (or most) the same hardware in a regular phone with features some can’t live without. People can choose between the radical new feature / form factor (iPhone 12 Pro) or the trusty features the swear by (iPhone 12).
The better question is, did we learn nothing from Apple Watch? I think a completely wireless iPhone is very feasible, and would be great! I’m all for removing the ports.
Within a few years wireless headphones such as AirPods will be included. That’s for sure.
Not yet. Too problematic in terms of things like CarPlay.
It's also unclear how this will play with things like debugging inside Apple or diagnosing at the app store.
I think we'll first see physical SIMs disappear. (Get's rid of one more piece of wasted volume and entry point.)
Then, a few years later, maybe a connection point that's nominally USB-C but behind a fairly aggressive "door" (like the way the SIM is not obviously available). You can pop off the "door" if you need to for CarPlay, debug, etc, but gradually there'll be fewer and fewer reasons to do so.
Not comparable. You don’t need to use your watch when charging. Or perhaps a magnetic charger will be provided.
Watch is an interesting case.
On the one hand watch DOES have a physical connector! Slide the strap off the bottom of your watch and shine a light into the "groove" where the strap goes. You'll see a little port there! Used for hardware debugging.
Opinion: The secret Apple Watch port should probably stay hidden... for now - 9to5Mac
This weekend, my colleague Jordan Kahn broke the news that “accessory makers plan to tap Apple Watch’s hidden port for...
9to5mac.com
On the same hand (hah!) not having a hardware connection makes development hell for 3rd parties. There've been many reasons why aWatch apps have not taken off, but one of them is probably that debugging is just too hard and too slow. The wireless only connection is fragile, and even when it works it is slow (think of how slow updating your watch is on OS updates).
Apple might have done better to make that debugging port semi-public -- irrelevant to most users, but connectable to your Mac via an Apple-purchased cable, allowing for much faster/more reliable infromation transfer?
Even better, I would like to see something similar to iPad's Smart Connector -- magnetically connecting to the iPhone to charge and transfer data.
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If the connector that replaces Lightning is anything similar iPad's Smart Connector, or even USB-C, you can just get an adapter.
No TouchID included?! I read several articles where it was said they were thinking/studying of adding both FaceID + TouchID for security reasons in several countries or just traveling . Just taking out the lightning connector is so ..upid , for CarPlay , synch with your computer and so on.
Apple where are you going?! Not enough money in your pockets?!
Users are just useful as buyers 😟 I really miss the golden days with Jobs: something new and appealing
Now something new that make you think not to update or upgrade anymore!
I travel 8 - 10 times a year and I my phone practically stays connected to a battery pack as I'm constantly filming things. A completely wireless iPhone is absurd. We simply don't have the battery or wireless tech to make that a plausible reality yet.
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They both still have connections/port that allow you to CHARGE them. A completely wireless phone is ridiculous for anyone who travels, is on their phone much of the day, or uses it as a development/filmmaking/gaming tool.
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They've broken the pattern already. iPhone 7 went to iPhone 8 and iPhone X. Completely skipped iPhone 7S. Major upgrades, which is this is rumored to be, always land on a non-S moniker.
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And how do you charge your phone on a 14 hour plane ride? Or charge it while you're using it? Filming? Gaming? Traveling? Developing? Current wireless charging methods need contact with a charging pad and if you're out of battery in the middle of the day, away from a charging pad, you're SOL.
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People who do that will have battery packs...14 hour plane journey? That’s not likely for most people let’s face it....
Definitely, and Apple needs to freaking up the rate from 7.5W already!!
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Which is the most reliable one that isn't hundreds? I've only seen one on here, and people say it's hit and miss even if you have the updates and the documentation shows your car should be supported.
oh please.... for crying out loud. Switch to USB-C....
I don't want an iPhone to be wireless only, I want to transfer huge files like 4k videos QUICKLY!
Lightning still only has USB2 speeds, ridiculous. If they make it wireless, it won't get faster in many cases!
I don't want an iPhone to be wireless only, I want to transfer huge files like 4k videos QUICKLY!
Lightning still only has USB2 speeds, ridiculous. If they make it wireless, it won't get faster in many cases!
Well, no rush. Might even be good to wait a generation or two on the 5G modems, eh.
I use the lightning connector on a daily basis to connect to an XLR mic setup for podcasting and recording. I hope Apple won't completely eliminate all physical connections...but that's only if they're considering the market of people who use the connector for more than just charging and listening.
It would be nice if they kept it for doing actual work, but I think their wet dream is a completely wireless device. They want you to need an iPad to do computer stuff. If they ever get rid of the port, I will probably get the previous gen and keep it a very long time.
I like the idea, assuming wireless charging by 2021 will be fast charging!
My BMW has wireless Carplay but anyone who’s wired can get this dongle
carplay2air.com
My BMW has wireless Carplay but anyone who’s wired can get this dongle
CPLAY2air wireless adapter for factory CarPlay on CARPLAY2air.com
Connect wirelessly to your factory Carplay in your Audi, VW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo or Porsche vehicle what was not possible before. Wired Android auto module inside. Convert wired CarPlay connection to the wireless one!
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