Apple could simply skip USB-C on the iPhone: According to the latest rumors, the iPhone 12 expected for autumn 2020 will continue to be equipped with the long-serving Lightning connector, and in 2021 the company plans to do without classic sockets for the iPhone 13 series and rely purely on wireless charging technology.
Apple does not usually comment on future decisions, but it does publicly vehemently oppose an expected EU regulation for a uniform charging process, which USB-C should prescribe as a binding standard. The accurate analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also expects the first iPhone model series in 2021 without any classic connections.
Smart connector in iPhone 13?
Instead, Apple plans to integrate the Smart Connector known from the iPad into the “iPhone 13”, now reports a Leaker. However, the magnetic connection consisting of three pins integrated flush into the housing is not primarily intended for charging. The functions of the connector on the iPhone are not clear from the information. On the iPad, it is used to connect external keyboards, in addition to power, it also transmits data.
Apple could make it possible to continue to offer a way for wired recovery. The method, which has so far been used with the help of a desktop computer, sometimes helps with serious problems – for example after an unsuccessful update of the operating system. In such a case, the connection-free Apple Watch (except for a hidden maintenance port) must be given to the manufacturer for repair.
Apple propagates wireless future
Apple has long emphasized that it is aimed at a completely wireless future in which cables are no longer an option. The group is also eliminating tried and tested interfaces, most recently the headphone jack on the iPhone. Rumors about working on a completely wireless iPhone have existed for around two years, Apple had already considered the step for the iPhone X, it was said at the time – but discarded due to the slow inductive charging process.
The iPhone has been supporting Qi-Charging since 2017, and Apple is also a member of the Wireless Power Consortium behind the wireless charging standard. Apple’s attempt to bring a powerful Qi charging mat to charge multiple devices to the market failed recently.
(lbe)
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