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Could The Future iPhone Lose The Lightning Port?

arftech99 said:
Also we must put into the equation that a wireless iPhone introduces wireless charging. How could it be different from the Samsung wireless solution? From what I understand, it's somewhat clunky. Is that true?

Many folks like me use iPhones as the front end for Hi-Resolution music and depend on some type of physical connection for headphones and DAC/Amps.

I'm all for wireless solutions but the technology needs further improving especially for those who enjoy high quality music. Count me in as curious in how Apple plans to address this if they decide to address it at all.
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Apple will most definitely go completely wireless, including contactless charging. However, that doesn't mean you won't be able to use wires with it. Most likely there will be a magnetic inductive option, something like the smart connector, which will allow at a minimum USB 2 quality data and power transfers, which is fine for audiophile needs. In fact it's fine for just about anything one needs for the iPhone -- one of the reasons why I think Apple hasn't brought the Lightning-2 connector to the 9" iPP or iPhones.

In many ways I'm sad the rumor of the smart connector on the iPhone 7 wasn't true. The sooner this technology is developed the better. I'd love a simple mag-connector that snaps onto the phone, both for charging and data needs, including wired headphones. But as long as Lightning's there, they don't really need it, and it would have just complicated things what with dropping the headphone jack.
 
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nooaah said:
With demand volume should follow with more affordable units. Better efficiencies with component costs go hand in hand with more sales.
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This was alarming when the New MacBook came with just 1 USB-C Port to charge and connect to devices. Outrageous IMO, look for this trend to continue. Apple is signaling. Expect other devices to dismiss other ports like the iPhone 7 ditch the 3.5mm Port and MacBook Pros have no Ethernet Port. Etc.

So what's Next ?

We already know any Port is a point of weakness and water infiltration. That in mind devices are showing up with no SIM card just and eSiM. Look for Apple to eliminate the SIM card slot. Also

#1. SIM card tray gone it's a water infiltration point and weakness point.
#2. 3.5mm jack again water infiltration point it's just a big hole gone.
#3. Physical Home Button again a moveable part Gone now it's all Glass
What's Next ?
#4. Lightning Port...again a big hole water infiltration point. Apples hope with the W1 Chip is for all Audio eventually. Charging will be handled via Inductive Charging or the Smart Connector on iPad Pros which is sealed and can transfer Data and Charge. It's just not as capable as the Lightning Port. Eventually the Lightning Port will be replaced by the Smart Connector.
#5. Mute Button and Volume up and Down. Those Physical buttons are a weakness point and a Water Intrusion Point. They will be replaced by Glass Bumps which will Taptically vibrate when pressed but will be part of the case solid.

Apples war on ports is well underway and right under our noses.
 
I see Apple getting rid of the lightening port, using wireless charging and putting a smart connector on the back for when Apple needs to perform a diagnostic in the Apple Store and possibly to sync to iTunes (if you need to do a restore).
 
Apple makes everything confusing nowadays. You have a new Powerbeats 3 with micro USB, iPhone 7 with lighting port and a new MacBook Pro with USB C cable.
 
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DNichter said:
Yes, but their port situation right now is kind of a mess. Simplifying it to all usb-c across devices would be the best thing to do. Who knows though, it is Apple.
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I think they planned this so they can sell those converter...
 
From what I remember next year Apple will be forced to use classic USB charger... But it will end with usb-c - lighting adapter than change to USB-C. For me lighting is better because it does not have this thing in the center as every micro usb
 
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Superrjamz54 said:
Apple is going to implement wireless charging that will charge the phone when he phone is within 50ft of the pad. Mich better then having to put the phone on a pad and hope that it's placed correctly.
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Yeah but it will cause cancer.
 
wwohl said:
No. not going to ditch Lightning. That's a big revenue stream for Apple. Wireless charging isn't even close to ready for Apple to implement and they're not gonna turn away from the royalties from Lightning sales
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I see the thought behind this argument, but what about Apple Watch? No ports, wireless charging, and Apple still manages to make plenty of accessories (stands, "charging" cables, bands, etc.)
 
arftech99 said:
Also we must put into the equation that a wireless iPhone introduces wireless charging. How could it be different from the Samsung wireless solution? From what I understand, it's somewhat clunky. Is that true?

Many folks like me use iPhones as the front end for Hi-Resolution music and depend on some type of physical connection for headphones and DAC/Amps.

I'm all for wireless solutions but the technology needs further improving especially for those who enjoy high quality music. Count me in as curious in how Apple plans to address this if they decide to address it at all.
Click to expand...

The problem is the term "wireless" implies no physical cable, yet even wireless charging requires an AC adapter to power a voltage based coil in order for the receiver coil in the phone to direct the voltage to charge the battery. There's just no cable directly from the charge coil into the phone. Wireless Charging also takes longer due to the fact it outputs less power than a straight AC Adapter. So this negates the system completely. It's not convenience, its just re-packaging current charging methods.
 
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