New Lightning Cable in iPhone 7 Box

[Trey M]

I've always thought it was pretty dumb that Apple doesn't sell a USB-C > Lightning cable. Ever since they released the rMB, it seems like an omission for a product I think there'd be a good amount of demand for. It's requiring a rMB owner to use an adapter to charge their flagship iPhone when on the road. Kind of a PITA for brand loyal owners.

I think most of us can agree that USB-C will be coming to at least the MBP line whenever the next release does occur, some are saying March. It's also very likely we'll see at least one Apple computer this year include a TB3/USB-C combo port, given the compatibility with Skylake. The writing's on the wall that USB-C/TB3 ports are in Apple's future considering Apple themselves had a big hand in the finalization of the specification. It's even worth speculating that Apple may begin utilizing USB-C in other Apple products where it makes sense (iPad Pro 2?).

Given all this info, it seems possible that Apple could make the jump to a USB-C > Lightning cable, including one in the iPhone 7 box in place of the traditional Lightning cable. This would obviously mean that the charging block would also have a USB-C female port. While it would be a big change, people could still use their existing lightning iPhone charging solutions without issue. No need to buy new cables for the office, the car, the nightstand. No need to buy new accessories. They'd simply be including a new USB-C variant in the new iPhone 7 box, use whichever you like.

Me, personally, I'd like to see Apple to just get rid of lightning altogether ASAP in favor of an all USB-C future (USB-C > USB-C cables). I think it'd suck in the short term but would absolutely payoff in the next 5-10 years. All your friends, Android, WP, iPhone....all have the same cable! However, I think the likelihood of that particular change is next to zero, since:
-People would lose their **** about Apple changing ports, again, so quickly
-Lightning Headphones are just becoming a new product category which Apple stands behind
-I genuinely think Apple enjoys having a proprietary cable for their devices, for a variety of different reasons, including pride, ecosystem lock-in, etc.

Given all of this, do you think it's likely the iPhone 7 box will include both a USB-C > Lightning Cable and a USB-C charging block?

 

[lagwagon]

I don't think there are enough places to plug in a USB-C yet for them to move the one end of the charge cable from USB to USB-C. I don't even know if there are any benefits to it yet either. Currently you would only be able to plug it into one of their own offered computers (12" Retina MacBook) without having to use some sort of USB-C to USB converter.

As for ditching Lightning all together. Definitely not anytime soon. Apple is heavily invested in Lightning. With new peripherals coming out all the time that utilize Lightning (especially during 2015.) They have no reason to get rid of it.

 

[BruceButtcheeks]

L4L (Lightning 4 Life)

 

[Koudspeel]

No, but I hope so. Another thing I would like to see is USB-C wall sockets. I can't seem to find these wall sockets anywhere yet.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I think we will see Lightning Earbuds and maybe even wireless

 

[Trey M]

I don't think there are enough places to plug in a USB-C yet for them to move the one end of the charge cable from USB to USB-C. I don't even know if there are any benefits to it yet either.

As for ditching Lightning all together. Definitely not anytime soon.

As far as benefits for USB-C, I don't really see many either. The main benefit being that throughout 2016 and 2017 more and more Apple products will utilize a USB-C port, so you will actually be able to charge your iPhone while plugged into your new device (laptop, iPad) with the cable included in the box. Aside from that, can't think of another benefit.

Totally agree about Apple not ditching lightning though. I'd bet big money lightning is here to stay for a while.
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I think we will see Lightning Earbuds and maybe even wireless

Probably both, my guess is lightning earbuds in the box and the wireless buds available around $200-250.

 

[jasie02]

If 7 release with a wireless charger, then Lightning port will be primary for headphone/audio-video-out, since both power and data could be wireless transfer, then there is really no use for adding USB-C or other type of port.
If wireless charging is not in 7, it will be there in 8.

 

[lagwagon]

If 7 release with a wireless charger, then Lightning port will be primary for headphone/audio-video-out, since both power and data could be wireless transfer, then there is really no use for adding USB-C or other type of port.
If wireless charging is not in 7, it will be there in 8.

Recent rumours has them adding wireless charging by 2017. So we might see it in the 7s before the 8.

I personally hope they have it ready for this years 7.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Recent rumours has them adding wireless charging by 2017. So we might see it in the 7s before the 8.

I personally hope they have it ready for this years 7.

Some of these rumors even talk about wireless charging from across the room.

That should make the RF fear monger's hair stand on end!

 

[maflynn]

f 7 release with a wireless charger,

The rumors are seemingly pointing to a future model (beyond the 7) to have wireless charging.

 

[Channan]

There's no way Apple would include a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box with the next iPhone unless it also came with a USB-A to Lightning cable. Very few people have USB-C ports, so Apple would be shipping phones with cables most people couldn't use.

They could possibly start selling them separately soon, though.

 

[Chronus]

No way, you will get the same as always.

Phone
Lightning adapter (usb to lightning)
Charger
Earbuds
Literature
Sim tray tool

Why would Apple include an additional cable when they can sell them for $20.

 

[Andres Cantu]

I don't see that happening until the iPhone 8, since the only computer they sell that has USB-C is the MacBook. That should change this year, though.

 

[Beerstalker]

I think and hope it will happen. A new power adapter with USB-C and a new USB-C to lightning cable that supports USB-3.1 speeds. I do not think that Apple will switch to USB-C on their phones/iPads though, just on the chargers and computers. Do this with all new devices released this year (iPad Air 3, iPhone 6c (or whatever they call the new 4" phone), iPhone 7/7+, iPad Pro 2, iPad Mini 5, etc.). Include USB-C (with USB-3.1 speeds) on all new computer releases as well.

If you are out travelling around then take one of your old USB A to lightning cables with you if you think you are only going to find USB-A ports to charge with. I can't believe that there are many people out there who only keep the cable that comes with the phone and don't have any extras at all. Over time USB-C will become as widely used and available as USB-A is now. Why not start the transition.

 

[Sixcranker]

Lightning USB 3.0 would be nice...

 

[lagwagon]

Lightning USB 3.0 would be nice...

The iPad Pro can do USB 3.1 transfer speeds from its lightning. So I would expect everything new from here on out to also support 3.1.

 

[Menel]

Europe common charger regulations require USB Type-A on charger, thus a USB Type-A to Lightning adapter cable.

They have to continue USB A - Lighting cables until Europe gets their funny laws in order.

And before that happens, as several have pointed out, Apple will likely move on to a cable-less solution.

 

[Beerstalker]

Europe common charger regulations require USB Type-A on charger, thus a USB Type-A to Lightning adapter cable.

They have to continue USB A - Lighting cables until Europe gets their funny laws in order.

And before that happens, as several have pointed out, Apple will likely move on to a cable-less solution.

I believe this is in the process of changing soon anyway, isn't it? It seems like many phone companies are wanting to go away from micro USB ports on the phone and go with USB-C on the phone. That would be against the current proposed EU requirements right now I believe. I see no reason why the EU wouldn't change their requirements to allow USB-C on both chargers and phones.

 

[Menel]

I believe this is in the process of changing soon anyway, isn't it? It seems like many phone companies are wanting to go away from micro USB ports on the phone and go with USB-C on the phone. That would be against the current proposed EU requirements right now I believe. I see no reason why the EU wouldn't change their requirements to allow USB-C on both chargers and phones.

Mobile handset manufacturers are free to switch to USB-C on the handsets... As long as:
1. the charger receptacle is USB-A, and
2. they supply a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Mirroring how Apple supplies a USB-A to Lightning adapter.

 

[lordofthereef]

I personally wouldn't care either way lol. I plug into a wall. This thing never gets plugged into a computer. Despite the fact I don't have a computer with USB-C, and don't necessarily plan to in the near future, this wouldn't really phase me.

Do I see it happening? No. Perhaps they will release a cable as a side purchase for those who need/want the funcionality. Truth be told if I am already thinking of buying an adapter (if I had the macbooks that require it) I would still just get the adapter, at least if I were buying today. It will be a couple years before we see any ubiquity. And I still think MOST computers will come with at least one USB-A port for years to come even if they do have USB-C. Hell, most machines and motherboards still have 1-2 2.0 ports on them even if they still have 3.0