Apple is testing an iPhone with a USB-C ports and planning to launch a USB-C adapter that can be used with devices with Lightning connectors, according to a new report.
The news comes on the heels of an analyst’s prediction on Wednesday that the switch to USB-C in Apple’s handsets will come with iPhone 15 in 2023.
Apple tests USB-C iPhone and adapter for Lightning ports
Many people who long for Apple to switch from Lightning ports to USB-C ports in iPhones will be glad to Apple is testing just such a handset. News of the testing and that Cupertino is also working on a USB-C adapter for Lightning connectors comes courtesy of Bloomberg.
That said, Apple plans to make the switch from Lightning to USB-C in iPhones no sooner than 2023, with iPhone 15. That tracks with TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s tweeted prediction Wednesday.
Kuo’s information came from supply chain sources and Bloomberg cited unnamed people with knowledge of the situation.
For a long time rumors have flown about Apple adopting USB-C ports, especially after Apple introduced USB-C to the iPad lineup and other devices. Other rumors have suggested a port-free iPhone. However, Apple has stood fast with its proprietary Lightning ports for the iPhone so far.
Switch could come ahead of possible EU mandate
The reported indicated Apple actively plans the swap now because the European Union may soon require USB-C ports on all smartphones as well as other devices in Europe. Pending EU legislation would require Apple to use USB-C technology across on all of its iPhones, iPads and AirPods.
Should the legislation pass, Apple would need to ship special USB-C iPhone models in Europe or just go ahead and make the swap from Lighting to USB-C worldwide.
USB-C ports allow for faster charging speeds and quicker data transfers than Lightning. And implementing USB-C connections would bring iPhone in line with the Mac and iPad models that already use it.
Bloomberg also said Apple will come out with an adapter that would let USB-C iPhones connect to accessories that have Lightning ports.
Moving to universal USB-C also means consumers will have fewer cables to carry. An engineer adapted both his iPhone and AirPods charging case to the standard for that reason. You may have heard what happened with his modded iPhone. He sold it on eBay for $86,000.
