Long live lightning. It’s too relevant to remove it quite yet, and is a major cash flow for Apple, [especially through third-party vendors]. I do think the removal of lightning port is coming, but I never once believed it would be removed by the iPhone 12. I have zero need for USB-C.
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Leaker: Apple to Stick With Lightning Over USB-C for 'iPhone 12' Before Going Port-Less Next Year
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European Union: everybody needs to use the same connector
Apple will use a Lightning port instead of USB-C in the upcoming "iPhone 12," but it will be the last major series of Apple's flagship phones to do so, with models set to combine wireless charging and a port-less Smart Connector system for data transfer and syncing in the iPhone "13 series" next year.
The above claim comes from occasional Apple leaker and Twitter user "Fudge" (@choco_bit), who last month shared alleged leaked iPhone 12 images showing a revised rear camera array with LiDAR scanner, a smaller front notch, and Home screen widgets.
Fudge claims that Apple has tested iPhone prototypes with USB-C ports, but that these models "won't be making it to production." Instead, Apple will stick with Lightning for one more year before replacing the port with a Smart Connector.
Claims of port-less future iPhones aren't new. Apple designers are said to ultimately be aiming to remove most of the external ports and buttons on the iPhone for a clean, streamlined device with fewer points of potential hardware failure.
Indeed, if wireless charging technology improves in the interim, Apple could potentially get rid of wired charging all together - and rumors do indicate Apple will release an iPhone without a Lightning port in 2021.
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the highest-end iPhone model coming in 2021 will offer a "completely wireless experience." Charging would, presumably, be done all wirelessly through charging accessories, Qi-based or otherwise. (Whether the 2021 iPhone would be Apple's so-called "iPhone 13" series or an "S"-style revision of this year's upcoming "iPhone 12" is unknown.)
The addition of a Smart Connector, however, is a separate rumor. The use of a Smart Connector could conceivably complete the transition to a totally wireless system for iPhone, with everyday charging and data transfer occurring over induction and wireless, and the Smart Connector providing a way to attach accessories and cover restore and recovery needs via special adapters.
Apple introduced the Smart Connector with the 2015 iPad Pro and updated it for the 2018 redesign. It lies flush with the bezel and has three pins providing power, data, and grounding. It's not impermeable though, which is something that Apple would need to work on to maintain its iPhone water resistance rating.
All of this could of course be irrelevant in the event that Apple surprises everyone and launches an iPhone with USB-C this year, suggesting that's where its future lies for now. Given the course and aim of Apple's iPhone development, that seems unlikely, but we won't know for sure until September or October, when Apple is expected to launch its latest flagship lineup.
Rumors have suggested Apple will complete its transition to an all-OLED iPhone lineup in 2020 with one new 5.4-inch device, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch handset. The 6.7-inch ?iPhone? and one 6.1-inch model are thought to be higher-end OLED devices with triple-lens cameras, while the 5.4 and 6.1-inch models will be lower-end iPhones with dual-lens cameras and a more affordable price tag.
Article Link: Leaker: Apple to Stick With Lightning Over USB-C for 'iPhone 12' Before Going Port-Less Next Year
Apple: we don’t need no stinky connector
Consumers: Hey, wouldn't it be cool if we could charge all our stuff with a single cable?
Apple: Let's replace lightning...
Consumers: YAY!
Apple: ...with a different and less versatile proprietary connector.
Consumers: 😶
Apple: Let's replace lightning...
Consumers: YAY!
Apple: ...with a different and less versatile proprietary connector.
Consumers: 😶
Does that include the iPad Pro 30W charging via USB-C or the 96W charging via USB-C for the MBP?
Yeah there's so many reasons they can't really go port-less... I don't understand why there are these rumours it worries me...
Apple will just throw us into the deep end like they did with the headphone jack until we all adjust and there are sufficient wireless options. They'll go "everybody has a wireless charger already, so we don't need to include one"
Meanwhile I don't actually know anyone that owns one (including myself)
I still don't like Bluetooth latency but put up with it on my AirPods and a Sony speaker :/
First thing I thought of is that Xcode makes you physically connect your phone to your Mac to run test versions of apps you're developing. I suppose they could do a wireless option like they did with iTunes, but that never worked well for me and I would always go back to using a wired connection.
Exactly what I was going to say. I use wireless charging the majority of the time but I also use every method you mentioned.
Get a $19 Anker Powerwave stand. It props up your phone so you can see/use it after you place your phone on it. I use my phone all the time on my desk while it's charging wirelessly.
Exactly what I was going to say. I use wireless charging the majority of the time but I also use every method you mentioned.
Get a $19 Anker Powerwave stand. It props up your phone so you can see/use it after you place your phone on it. I use my phone all the time on my desk while it's charging wirelessly.
I really hope this is BS, because just as Apple introduced the notch and others followed, the same would happen with this hare-brained idea. We'd see a sweeping change toward impracticality across the whole phone market. No thanks.
That’s exactly what’s going to change, they’ll enforce USB-C connector on all devices.
If you have some time to spare, I’m sure you’ll find The Verge retracting from the same statements you’re making.
think about all that carplay that won't be used, they just finally got manufacturers to adopt it and it's still mostly wired. Those manufacturers arent gonna spend money on a pivot now, they'll just drop it.
I think this rumor of wireless iphone is a nonstarter, too many impractical hurdles.
I think this rumor of wireless iphone is a nonstarter, too many impractical hurdles.
Definitely not the same as using your device freely, charging with a cable...
What point would there be in trading one proprietary connector for another? People aren't going to be happy at having to buy new cables and chargers AGAIN.
Why can't Apple just adopt freaking USB-C if they're going to change the connector anyway? They can't be making THAT much money from cables, could they? Just standardize to the rest of the world and stop this nonsense already.
Why can't Apple just adopt freaking USB-C if they're going to change the connector anyway? They can't be making THAT much money from cables, could they? Just standardize to the rest of the world and stop this nonsense already.
That's still a much worse solution than just having a longer charging cable and being able to use your phone exactly as you would if it weren't plugged in.
I hope the solution is similar to the headphone jack. I can still use my wired headphones on my Xs Max. When and if Apple goes port-less, I still should be able to use my wired headphones.
Veeeery expensive adapter
As far as I understand there will be possibility to transfer data with smart connector. That means Apple will produce USB-smartconnector cable. Moreover smartconnector "port" can be used to charge device so it could be portless device which we can still connect with cable. Just another reason to buy new cables and spend more money. Apple being Apple.
I’m sure that what Apple has realized, is that with there being no need for regular connection to a laptop or desktop (syncing to iTunes), for the vast majority of people, there is very little reason to include the port. Maybe for those people who are photo or video professionals, a port that allows for fast data transmission does make sense, but Apple is of course working on improving wireless device to device transmission, so it isn’t like they will not have an alternative once they delete the port.
It will piss people off massively. More dongles and cables... After already spending money on new stuff.
I really feel they cannot go port-less so soon. The only good options are to stick with Lightning or move to USB-C
I understand your point. Even years ago we could transfer iTunes data wireless. Anyway let's think about CarPlay. Even if you have wireless connection please remember that navigation and any other apps drain battery. Do you have also wireless charger in your car?
I agree. I believe, even USB-C is a better option than "portless".
A plug-in adapter to car's USB port wouldn't work very well. The USB port is already power limited and you would loose even more power with a wireless module. An iPhone with no charging port would be a downgrade and would add unnecessary extra costs.
Which wireless radio you think they’re going to use? Wifi 6? Wifi 7? SLOW AND UNRELIABLE.
And I’m sure, this brings a lot of concerns regarding Windows compatibility. Will Apple provide a way to get your files on iTunes or something? A lot of Windows devices have a 2.4GHz Wifi card, which is SLOW AS HELL.
All the latest MacBooks came out with Wifi AC. It’s INSANE that we’re even discussing this possibility at this time.
One advantage to lightening is Apple doesn't have to worry about whether a user has a charge cable, charge plus data, etc. USB C. If a cable is Apple certified, it works.