Apple is looking forward to bringing the second port change ever in iPhone history by shifting from lightning port to USB-C. Earlier in 2007, when the first iPhone was launched till the launch of the 4s in 2011, Apple used the 30-pin connector to charge the iPhones. In 2012, when iPhone 5 was launched, Apple made its first change in the charging port by replacing 30 pin connector with a better, smaller lightning port which was more minimalist, and efficient, and could be inserted into the iPhone in any direction. Now, the reports are saying that Apple is going to bring the second port change from lightning port to USB-C.

USB-C in iPhones

Currently, most Apple devices have a lightning port except some MacBooks and iPads. Considering this fact, the change from lightning port to USB-C will definitely be a very big one but not a complete surprise. Shifting from a lightning port to USB-C will be a major breakthrough for Apple. Moreover, Apple is also looking to design an adapter that will let the future iPhones having a type C port to work with the accessories for the current lightning connector.

A research analyst Ming-Chi-Kuo also claimed in his latest tweet that Apple is going to bring USB-C port in the upcoming iPhones. Ming-Chi-Kuo also predicted that this year iPhone will come with the usual lightning port. The change is expected to see in the upcoming models of iPhones in 2023.

My latest survey indicates that 2H23 new iPhone will abandon Lightning port and switch to USB-C port. USB-C could improve iPhone’s transfer and charging speed in hardware designs, but the final spec details still depend on iOS support.

— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) May 11, 2022

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also confirmed in his report about the rumours that Apple is testing USB-C ports for its future iPhones. Gurman also states that if Apple rolls out the iPhones with the new USB-C port then it will streamline the chargers used by various Apple devices as currently all of the Apple devices are running either a lightning port or a USB-C port. So, if Apple brings the USB-C port to iPhones then the consumers will have the leverage to carry one charger for all of their Apple devices.

Advantages of USB-C

USB-C chargers offer a fast charging and data transfer speed than the current lightning port which Apple is using already in most of its devices. Furthermore, the USB-C cable can also be compatible with many non-Apple devices as most of the smart devices in the markets are currently using type-C ports.

Control in manufacturing of iPhone accessories

Apple has a lot of control over the iPhone accessories marketplace. There is a wide range of accessories like external microphones, car adapters and chargers that use the current lightning port. So, if Apple shifts from lightning port to USB-C then it is crystal clear that Apple will no longer be able to hold that control over the iPhone accessories market because USB-C is a standard that many smartphones manufacturers are using currently in most android phones.

European Union legislation

One of the major reasons for Apple to test USB-C port for the iPhone is the idea that was proposed by the European Unions in October last year and the legislation is approved in the recent April by a majority vote. Apple is also considering an option to produce USB-C ports for iPhones for the EU and the same lightning port for iPhones for the rest of the world. It will be difficult to move out of their proprietary lightening Port but Apple may be forced to do so as making one phone with different ports isn’t a good approach and it’s better to make a move and leave lightening port behind.

Conclusion

Apple is also concerned about the fact that if all the smartphone manufacturers will adopt USB-C ports then there will be hurdles for the designers to create new designs which could be faster, reliable, and energy-efficient. In response to this concern, EU officials have denied this allegation and said that adhering to the single design of adapter for all the smartphone devices will not create a hindrance to the innovation. EU officials told that they are open to the change if a new, better, and innovative design emerges, then they will be more than happy to adopt the change.

Well, it is too early to claim this thing whether the new legislation of European Unions will hinder innovation or not. The one fact which is crystal clear and everyone is sure about is that the USB-C port will definitely be beneficial for iPhone users in terms of data transfer and fast charging.