iPhone XS Why does everyone want the death of Lightning?

[Cape Dave]

One cable to rule them all!

 

[zorinlynx]

One cable for multiple devices.
The weak spot on the lightning cable results in the connector snapping off inside the device. USB-c gives you a fighting chance.
I would rather have everything usb-c than the current mix.
I never understood how micro usb has survived this long.

I've been using lightning cables heavily since the iPhone 5 came out in 2012 and I've never had the connector snap off inside the device. What the heck are you doing to your connectors?

The failure modes I've experienced are:

- The cable fails at the strain relief (Apple has had this problem for over a decade now.)
- The contacts on the plug get worn out/corroded and it stops making a good connection. Interestingly it's almost always the fourth pin from the left when viewed with the connector facing away from you.

 

[pika2000]

1. The USB C connector is male. The port is female and has been engineered to accept more insertions without breaking or loosening. It’s been engineered so that the cable fails before the port.

2. As something new there will initially be compatibility issues but that’s quickly being resolved. UBS C is universally popular yet, that’s not news, but it doesn’t follow that we shouldn’t move to it as soon as possible.

1. No, it's not entirely male. Lightning is entirely male. USB-C is a male with a female port inside the male connector. Look into a USB-C jack, and there's another piece of male connector in the middle. This is consistent with all USB connectors. Durability wise, we won't find out until years later, but at least it's very annoying to clean/dry the USB-C port on my Samsung A5 due to the extra protrusion inside the jack.

2. USB-C is already facing adoptions fatigue. At CES, there is already a lack of interest in USB-C audio headsets, with some OEMs are putting interest back into the old 3.5mm audio jack. The compatibility issue between USB-C devices is a huge problem from the customer standpoint.

Personally, I prefer lightning, at least for a phone connector. It's more compact, takes up less space than USB-C, has all the necessary I/O requirement as a phone connector, and already has a healthy ecosystem of peripherals that has less compatibility issues than USB-C. As we move towards wireless, the I/O required by a phone can be substantially replaced by wireless alternatives, thus switching to USB-C this late imo is a waste.

 

[Böhme417]

iPhone should be USB C

Because...

Apple doesn’t care about the transition. They get to sell more cables and adapters.

A transition to USB-C doesn't benefit them at all. There are plenty of other options for USB-C cables.

First of all I’m surprised some is against usb c. It’s one cable that cam handle many devices. The only con is old lighting accessories are useless.

Right now I’m loving the USB C train. I have a switch and iPad Pro. I haven’t even opened and used the pack in charger because I’ve been using the MacBook Pro USB charger.

I try to buy only usb c products at this point.

There just aren't enough USB-C devices for this to be convenient. Lightning cables are so ubiquitous, it's definitely harder to find a USB-C cable than a lightning one.


I'd just like to add that I'm not necessarily against the adoption of USB-C, I just don't see a need for it. Lightning is great. It provides a reliable, snug connection.

 

[TheIntruder]

Nothing beats the crisp, tactile "snap" of a Lightning connector locking into place. Positive engagement, robust feel.

Whatever its perceived weaknesses now, Lighting was clearly the product of a single engineering team with clear targets and few constraints.

The USB-C connector was the larger industry's response to Lighting, and while it has many benefits, it feels exactly like what it is -- a solution designed be by a committee. Its most admirable trait will be to rid the world of Micro USB.

 

[1rottenapple]

Because...



A transition to USB-C doesn't benefit them at all. There are plenty of other options for USB-C cables.



There just aren't enough USB-C devices for this to be convenient. Lightning cables are so ubiquitous, it's definitely harder to find a USC-C cable than a lightning one.


I'd just like to add that I'm not necessarily against the adoption of USB-C, I just don't see a need for it. Lightning is great. It provides a reliable, snug connection.

Nintendo Switch, iPad Pro, MacBook Pro. Lol it’s starting. Personally an iPhone with usb c would complete the change for me, and AirPods to have usb c and I’m done.
Currently waiting to buy a high capacity power bank for emergencies that’s usb c. Usb c can fast charge a 26,000 mah power bank in 3 hours!

lol if you can charge an electric car on usb c Game over jack

 

[Spoon!]

A transition to USB-C doesn't benefit them at all. There are plenty of other options for USB-C cables.

Of course it does. Literally all their laptops are USB-C now. The iPad Pro is USB-C. The phone will inevitably be USB-C. It’s a running joke with Apple about needing to use adapters between devices. Having at least one unified port across everything will be extremely convenient.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

The USB-C connector was the larger industry's response to Lighting, and while it has many benefits, it feels exactly like what it is -- a solution designed be by a committee. Its most admirable trait will be to rid the world of Micro USB.

Do you have a source for this, or is it merely speculation? The industry was in no way threatened by Lightning, as it has zero effect on everything else outside of Apple products.

 

[naturalguy]

Of course it does. Literally all their laptops are USB-C now. The iPad Pro is USB-C. The phone will inevitably be USB-C. It’s a running joke with Apple about needing to use adapters between devices. Having at least one unified port across everything will be extremely convenient.

This

 

[bruinsrme]

I've been using lightning cables heavily since the iPhone 5 came out in 2012 and I've never had the connector snap off inside the device. What the heck are you doing to your connectors?

The failure modes I've experienced are:

- The cable fails at the strain relief (Apple has had this problem for over a decade now.)
- The contacts on the plug get worn out/corroded and it stops making a good connection. Interestingly it's almost always the fourth pin from the left when viewed with the connector facing away from you.

I’ve never had one break. Then again I have been using Native Union cables for a few years now.

However, It’s more common than you think. Many people beat the ever living crap out of their phones.

I’ve seen plenty of them mosey on into the store.
- my phone stopped charging
- I can’t sync my phone to the computer
- something happened and I can’t seem to get the charge cable into the phone.

Look into the connector and see that big chunk of whatever inside.
Strangely enough not one customer ever said it was a third party cheap-o cable.
[doublepost=1547466561][/doublepost]

I actually have zero interest in USB-C, even if Apple makes the transition for the 2019 iPhone, so be it. But I actually like having lightning, because I do have so many cables, and obviously the devices that are lightning compatible in my household.

This was a very common comment when Apple announced 30 pin to lightning.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I guess as it’s becoming a standard it would be nice. However I have no incentive to have the iPhone switch to USB C. I have lots of lightning cables all over my house. My iPhone, both iPads, Apple TV remote, AirPods and gaming pad all charge via lightning.
[doublepost=1547469871][/doublepost]

I actually have zero interest in USB-C, even if Apple makes the transition for the 2019 iPhone, so be it. But I actually like having lightning, because I do have so many cables, and obviously the devices that are lightning compatible in my household.

I totally agree.

 

[sdwaltz]

I don't get it either, lightning is great.

 

[44267547]

The reason lightning is so important, is because the investment the customer has with the amount of cables and accessories throughout their devices with the iPhone, iPad, AirPods, ect. The lightning port is _so_ simplistic and well executed, that even though USB-C might be offering some advantages, that doesn’t mean it appeals to everyone else either. It really depends on one’s peripherals and how they manage with USB-C.

 

[thadoggfather]

I don’t want it

I have a ton of lightning cables and it adds no value functionality wise to an iPhone

I’m good with just my MacBook Pro and switch being usb-c

My iPad is still lightning too

 

[1rottenapple]

These arguments were the same when the 30 pin connector was faced out. Yes people invested money into accessories, cables, car mounts setups, docks, but you know... COURAGE.

 

[TheIntruder]

Do you have a source for this, or is it merely speculation? The industry was in no way threatened by Lightning, as it has zero effect on everything else outside of Apple products.

Lighting was introduced in September 2012 with the iPhone 5.

The first USB-C spec wasn't published by the USB-IF until almost two years later, in August 2014.

Those inside the room working on USB-C undoubtedly had knowledge of Lighting, not only due to Apple's notoriety, but because in the group the contributors to the project, the number of engineers from Apple was among the largest, outnumbered only by Intel. Not only did Lighting provide inspiration for USB-C, Apple engineers helped influence and shape it!

Compact size
Reversibility (cue the USB orientation jokes)
Active controller
Multi-purpose/protocol agnostic

And, new for 2019, authentication!

Now, one could argue that those traits are part of any laundry list that was the natural result of progress and more modern technology.

But, Lightning had all those things first, and given the history of USB connectors, one would have to be awfully naive to believe that Apple's proprietary solution didn't have an influence, even if one weren't aware of Apple engineers' direct role in the project.

Consider the USB 3.0 Micro-B connector. Samsung shipped phones with that monstrosity. That's the kind of stuff the USB-IF came up with before USB-C. The epitome of a mediocre solution devised by committee, and constrained by cost and timidity.

 

[Closingracer]

First of all I hate USB-C, I hate how it a female connection where the board can break in the phone, Lightning is a male connection that is much better as the port in the phone is stronger. I also find the Lightning magnetic connection to be stronger, for whatever reason every woman I've ever known seems to break their cables.... while USB Breaks at the port, Apple's seems to break at where the cable connects to the male side as you plug it in. I dunno why women cannot look after their cables, but I'm much happier buying a new cable than buying a new port and having to take apart a phone.

The other problem I have with USB C is there seems to be massive compatibility issues. I dunno why, I haven't looked into it, but one size doesn't fit all when it comes to charging, for some reason USB C is very fussy and it has led to a lot off problems charging.

Finally I have more lightning devices than I do USB C, like everything I seem to buy still is Micro USB or lightning, USB C seems to have only become mainstream for high end devices in the past 2 years. Where still anything you'll buy at a low price uses Micro USB... so there is a real lack of USB C cables, where we have hundreds of lightning cables around.


I don't see the point in going to USB C, and I don't want it, no one ever uses the port for anything but charging, even then we're switching to wireless mostly now, so it isn't important anymore any ways.

Errr what ? There is no magnetic connection. It’s just physics. There is no lack of USB type c cables with mid rangers having it along with headphones now. Sorry USB c is the way to go. I just not for it imho because I already spent some money on lightning cables because the cheap ones suck. I also have plenty of USB type C cables

 

[Pnr2020]

I hope they stay with lightning cables because there literally everywhere. I go to work and guarantee someone will have a cable I can borrow. If I visit friends or relatives there will be a lightning cable I can use. I had a note 9 and trying to find a usb-c cable to use was a no go no one had one.

 

[ftaok]

These arguments were the same when the 30 pin connector was faced out. Yes people invested money into accessories, cables, car mounts setups, docks, but you know... COURAGE.

I'm clearly on the side of Lightning, but I do remember the transition from 30-pin to Lightning. While the arguments you listed were used, there were many more arguments too. Such as, smaller connector, reversible connector, more durable connector, more throughput (I think 30-pin wasn't compatible with USB3, maybe?)

Personally, I prefer Lightning. Some day, they'll switch to USB-C. It's inevitable. Hopefully when they do switch, there will be a functional benefit for the switch. Right now, there really aren't any functional reasons to make the switch other than standardization.

 

[nburwell]

I'd prefer Apple continue with lightning connector since I have a plethora of lightning cables around the house. But since my IPP is USB-C, it's not going to be the end of the world should Apple switch up the connector later this year.

 

[Wide opeN]

Add another for support of Lightning!!! As has been mentioned, the design of Lightning vs USB-C, is simply superior. That piece of board sticking out of every port on USB-C is just cheesy.

Like also was mentioned, when you input lightning there's just such a satisfying connection made there, that is very intuitive. USB-C really does look third rate. Can't believe that it's reversible, with that ugly bonding on the one side. I don't want anything to do with USB-C on my iPhone. Although, I "only" use wireless charging now, being that I hate plugging in cables in the first place.

Switching to USB-C on iPhone IMO would be a mistake.

 

[ericg301]

apple makes hundreds of millions of dollars a year in license fees for lighting connectors. i dont see them giving up that revenue stream any time soon.

keep USB-C for the pro products. Lighting for everything else

 

[bluespark]

Apple doesn’t care about the transition. They get to sell more cables and adapters.

That's not true at all. Apple is about the best in the business at ensuring the longevity of its charging/syncing standards. If it switches to USB-C (which I expect it will), it will be because it determined that the new standard offers advantages that offset the difficulty of switching.

 

[Spoon!]

That's not true at all. Apple is about the best in the business at ensuring the longevity of its charging/syncing standards. If it switches to USB-C (which I expect it will), it will be because it determined that the new standard offers advantages that offset the difficulty of switching.

Apple is in the business of planned obsolescence, not longevity.

 

[bpeeps]

I hope they stay with lightning cables because there literally everywhere. I go to work and guarantee someone will have a cable I can borrow. If I visit friends or relatives there will be a lightning cable I can use. I had a note 9 and trying to find a usb-c cable to use was a no go no one had one.

That's because lightning is a standard. If they change over to USB-C, guess what your friends will eventually have to change to as well? And then that dude at work will guaranteed have a cable you can borrow. That's how change works. Scary I know.