Five Apple Products Rumored to Switch to USB-C

[MacRumors]

While the iPhone still uses the Lightning connector for now, Apple has been transitioning many of its devices to USB-C in recent years.

Apple now offers USB-C ports on every Mac that it currently sells, ranging from the MacBook Air to the Mac Pro. Other devices with a USB-C port include the 2018 and newer iPad Pro, 2020 and newer iPad Air, sixth-generation iPad mini, Studio Display, and Pro Display XDR. Apple also includes a USB-C port on the Magic Keyboard for iPad, on the Beats Flex, and on the charging cases for the Beats Studio Buds and Beats Fit Pro.

Rumors suggest that at least five other Apple products and accessories will also switch to USB-C in the future, as outlined below.

iPhone 15

While the iPhone 14 is expected to stick with the Lightning connector, at least one new iPhone 15 model will feature a USB-C port, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Shortly after Kuo shared this information, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was indeed testing prototype iPhone models with USB-C ports.

Last month, the European Union announced that it reached an agreement to introduce a new law that would make USB-C the common charging port across all new smartphones, tablets, headphones, and many other electronics by fall 2024. iPhone 15 models are expected to launch around September 2023, ahead of the European Union's deadline.

Entry-Level iPad

Apple plans to update its entry-level/lower-cost iPad with a USB-C port, according to both 9to5Mac's Filipe Espósito and Gurman. Apple could release the 10th-generation iPad in September as it did with the last three generations of the device.

The launch of the 10th-generation iPad would complete Apple's transition to USB-C across its entire iPad lineup after four years.

AirPods Charging Cases

Once the iPhone switches to USB-C, Kuo said he expects other Apple accessories to adopt USB-C in the foreseeable future, including AirPods charging cases.

Apple is expected to announce second-generation AirPods Pro later this year, but rumors have been conflicting about whether the new charging case will continue to use the Lightning connector or switch to a USB-C port.

MagSafe Battery Pack

Another accessory that Kuo expects to switch from Lightning to USB-C in the future is the MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone 12 and newer.

Magic Mouse/Trackpad/Keyboard Trio

Last, Kuo expects Apple's trio of Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse accessories for the Mac to adopt USB-C ports in the future. All three accessories are currently equipped with a Lightning connector for charging.

Beyond the iPhone 15 launching in the second half of 2023, there is no clear timeframe for other Apple products switching to USB-C.

Article Link: Five Apple Products Rumored to Switch to USB-C

 

[sniffies]

Apple is doomed if they put USB-C on the underside of the mouse.

 

[jav6454]

Yeah, I can see the 15 as the first USB-C iPhone. Although, I do believe the switch could come sooner given Lightning and USB-C similar protocols.

 

[mrat93]

Wonder if the rumored 2022 Apple TV will have an updated remote, or if that’ll wait till next year too.

 

[IMPOSSIBLEMAN]

iPhone 14 should have gotten USB-C. I think Apple is delaying it just to boost sales for the tock year version (iPhone 15)

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

IMO: it's beyond "about time."

 

[Jefe's MacAir]

USB C should have been introduced in 2013.

 

[MallardDuck]

Maybe they'll put the port on the mouse on the edge so you can actually use it while charging instead of the brain-dead bottom port.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

IMO: it's beyond "about time."

It's time but the "Courage" is not there, yet.

The lightning connector is so outdated now.

The new Magic Mouse should not look like that. It's 2022 and Jony Ive is no longer with the company.

 

[jz0309]

while I have quite a few unused lightning cables, USB-C esp on the iPhone is LOOONG overdue ...

 

[iVoid]

Hopefully, they put the USB-C charging port on the FRONT edge of the Mouse instead of the bottom like the current Lightning port is.
Putting it on the bottom means you can't use it while it's charging.

 

[kenny7]

Not coming to Apple TV remote?😢

 

[KOTN91]

Boooooo. Why would anyone want this cheap, Androidy, crappy connector. Not to mention all the peripherals and cables which will now be wasted

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Boooooo. Why would anyone want this cheap, Androidy, crappy connector. Not to mention all the peripherals and cables which will now be wasted

USB-C offers a faster-charging speed. It is also more durable in my opinion.

Why You Should Switch to USB-C Fast Charging Now

Save time and money by switching to USB-C. Here’s what USB-C is, why you should switch, how to power your phone twice as fast, and how to make the transition.

www.nytimes.com

 

[KOTN91]

USB C should have been introduced in 2013.

2013 is about its level technologically. I don’t I understand why anyone would want this cheap tat

 

[Macative]

It's going to come off as really tone deaf when iPhone 14 still has Lightning. Problem is this product's design was locked in more than a year ago. Planned 2-3 years ago as part of the iPhone 12 overall design plan.

More concerning though is AirPods Pro. They're not on an annual update basis, and if this next edition is still Lightning, we'll be stuck with that for years.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I can't help but laugh every time I see the upside down Magic Mouse charging.

 

[Macative]

Hopefully, they put the USB-C charging port on the FRONT edge of the Mouse instead of the bottom like the current Lightning port is.
Putting it on the bottom means you can't use it while it's charging.

Which I suppose would actually be a problem if the mouse needed to be charged every day instead of 30 minutes every 3 months or so, in the real world.

 

[Macative]

I can't help but laugh every time I see the upside down Magic Mouse charging.

I can't help but laugh when people pretend it matters.

 

[1557750]

But until then, enjoy this lightening to usb-c dongle.

Won’t do anything for data transfer, but get the feel ahead of time.

 

[Andres Cantu]

The transition will be painful for wired CarPlay, since a USB-C iPhone will need an adapter to connect to a USB-A port in cars.

The USB-C to USB-C cable that would be included would be no good since most cars have USB-A ports, and any lightning to USB-A cables would be useless, too.

 

[Billrey]

Boooooo. Why would anyone want this cheap, Androidy, crappy connector. Not to mention all the peripherals and cables which will now be wasted

It's not 'Androidy'. Apple itself invented USB-C and gave it to the standard bodies.

Apple was among the first to market with USB-C-based laptops.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I can't help but laugh when people pretend it matters.

It doesn't matter to me, I just find it a funny visual. But I am glad I gave you a laugh anyway!

 

[1557750]

The transition will be painful for wired CarPlay, since a USB-C iPhone will need an adapter to connect to a USB-A port in cars.

The USB-C to USB-C cable that would be included would be no good since most cars have USB-A ports, and any lightning to USB-A cables would be useless, too.

We’ll have to wait till the Apple Car comes out

 

[gadgetgirl85]

Annoyed iPhone 14 isn't getting USB-C