2017 iPhones probably won’t ditch Lightning for USB-C after all

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iPhone 7 lightning
Apple's not giving up on Lightning quite yet.
Photo: Apple

The rumor that Apple plans to switch to USB-C on all 2017 iPhones has been shot down by one of the most reliable Apple analysts in the game.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo sent a note to investors today claiming that all three new iPhone models supposedly set for release this fall will come with a Lightning port, not USB-C.

In his note, Kuo says that while Apple will keep the Lightning port, important upgrades are coming to the way iPhones will charge. Users can expect faster charging this year, thanks to the addition of new battery technology.

Super-fast charging for iPhone

“We believe all three new iPhones launching in [2017] will support fast charging by the adoption of Type-C Power Delivery technology (while still retaining the Lightning port),” writes Kuo, according to MacRumors.

Kuo reveals that one of the key challenges is ensuring product safety and stable data transmission during a fast charge. To achieve its goal, Apple may use Texas Instruments’ power-management system and a power-delivery chip from Cypress Semiconductor.

In a recent Cult of Mac poll, 58 percent of readers said they’re actually in favor of Apple switching to USB-C. However, keeping the Lightning port will allow Apple to use less space on the device. USB-C is slightly thicker than Lightning.

Other rumored new iPhone 8 features

Apple may also introduce a new two-cell, L-shaped battery pack design on the high-end iPhone 8. Other features rumored for the new device include wireless charging, an OLED display, slimmer bezels and a “revolutionary” new FaceTime camera capable of advanced facial recognition.

The Home button also might go away, replaced by a mini Touch Bar (on at least some models).

The new iPhones aren’t expected to be unveiled until fall 2017.

iPhone 8 mockup

If you want a look at what the next iPhones could look like, check out our iPhone 8 mockup video, which incorporates many of the rumored upgrades.

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