Previewed at WWDC, launching in the fall.
2018 iPhones Could Ship With New 18W USB-C Power Adapters, USB-C to Lightning Cables for Fast Charging
Apple's 2018 iPhone lineup could ship with new USB-C power adapters that come with USB-C to Lightning cables for faster charging, according to a post on Chinese social network Weibo that cites supply chain sources.
Apple is said to be planning to upgrade to USB-C support for all of its devices, shipping next-generation iPhones with a redesigned 18W power adapter that allows for USB-C fast charging with an included USB-C to Lightning cable.
We're not able to verify this rumor as it comes from a source without a track record for accurate reporting, but switching to USB-C power adapters across the iPhone and iPad lineup would make some sense as Apple's Mac lineup has largely transitioned to USB-C.
An 18W USB-C power adapter would enable fast charging speeds that would allow the iPhone to charge from 0 to 50% in approximately 30 minutes.
This kind of fast charging functionality is available for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and iPad Pro models, but at the current time, it requires customers to use a USB-C MacBook power adapter (minimum price $49) or a third-party USB-C power adapter ($15+) paired with a Lightning to USB-C cable, which is priced at $25 and only available as a standalone accessory.
Current iPhone models ship with a 5W power adapter that works with a USB-A to Lightning cable, so an upgrade to an 18W adapter would be a huge change. Presumably, the same changes will be implemented in upcoming iPad Pro models if the rumor is true, with Apple also upgrading the existing 12W USB-A iPad Pro power adapter to an 18W USB-C power adapter.
When using fast charging functionality over USB-C with a USB-C to Lightning cable, maximum charging speeds are achieved on an iPad or iPhone at approximately 18W, as we discovered in a detailed iPhone X charging speed test we performed late last year.
An included USB-C power adapter and USB-C to Lightning cable that supports fast charging would be a huge gain for iPhone users. Such charging speeds promise 50% battery in 30 minutes and can deliver an 80% charge (from zero) in approximately an hour. Many competing Android devices already support fast charging without the need for customers to purchase additional accessories.
Today's report suggests the design of the charger that ships with the iPhone will see an overhaul, going from the traditional square shape used in the U.S. to something more akin to an oval. As mentioned above, it will reportedly include a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Right now, Apple does not allow third-party companies to make USB-C to Lightning cables, and the Weibo report indicates USB-C to Lightning cables will continue to be proprietary technology until 2019, when Apple may open up the standard to allow its MFi partners to manufacture the cables.
(Thanks, ED!)
Apple is said to be planning to upgrade to USB-C support for all of its devices, shipping next-generation iPhones with a redesigned 18W power adapter that allows for USB-C fast charging with an included USB-C to Lightning cable.
We're not able to verify this rumor as it comes from a source without a track record for accurate reporting, but switching to USB-C power adapters across the iPhone and iPad lineup would make some sense as Apple's Mac lineup has largely transitioned to USB-C.
An 18W USB-C power adapter would enable fast charging speeds that would allow the iPhone to charge from 0 to 50% in approximately 30 minutes.
This kind of fast charging functionality is available for the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and iPad Pro models, but at the current time, it requires customers to use a USB-C MacBook power adapter (minimum price $49) or a third-party USB-C power adapter ($15+) paired with a Lightning to USB-C cable, which is priced at $25 and only available as a standalone accessory.
Current iPhone models ship with a 5W power adapter that works with a USB-A to Lightning cable, so an upgrade to an 18W adapter would be a huge change. Presumably, the same changes will be implemented in upcoming iPad Pro models if the rumor is true, with Apple also upgrading the existing 12W USB-A iPad Pro power adapter to an 18W USB-C power adapter.
When using fast charging functionality over USB-C with a USB-C to Lightning cable, maximum charging speeds are achieved on an iPad or iPhone at approximately 18W, as we discovered in a detailed iPhone X charging speed test we performed late last year.
An included USB-C power adapter and USB-C to Lightning cable that supports fast charging would be a huge gain for iPhone users. Such charging speeds promise 50% battery in 30 minutes and can deliver an 80% charge (from zero) in approximately an hour. Many competing Android devices already support fast charging without the need for customers to purchase additional accessories.
Today's report suggests the design of the charger that ships with the iPhone will see an overhaul, going from the traditional square shape used in the U.S. to something more akin to an oval. As mentioned above, it will reportedly include a USB-C to Lightning cable.
Right now, Apple does not allow third-party companies to make USB-C to Lightning cables, and the Weibo report indicates USB-C to Lightning cables will continue to be proprietary technology until 2019, when Apple may open up the standard to allow its MFi partners to manufacture the cables.
(Thanks, ED!)
Related Roundup: 2018 iPhones
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Top Rated Comments
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12 weeks ago
Do the other phones give you iOS, years of hardware and software support, and the integration of software/hardware of Apple?
Let's grow up and not act like phones are purely a commodity. There is a difference between the Apple experience, support, and service over the Android competitor.
12 weeks ago
I guess dropping lightning is not an option, but would be neat if everything was USB-C
12 weeks ago
Oh, why thank thou generous Tim Cook! Finally giving us something every other phone (that doesn't cost $1200) comes with...
12 weeks ago
Oh thank you thy generous Tim Cook, finally giving us something every other phone (that doesn't cost $1200) comes with
Do the other phones give you iOS, years of hardware and software support, and the integration of software/hardware of Apple?Let's grow up and not act like phones are purely a commodity. There is a difference between the Apple experience, support, and service over the Android competitor.
12 weeks ago
Do the other phones give you iOS, years of hardware and software support, and the integration of software/hardware of Apple?
Let's grow up and not act like phones are purely a commodity. There is a difference between the Apple experience, support, and service over the Android competitor.
Can you name a iPhone that does not slow down after 2 OS update?
By the time when Apple pushes the final update, these iPhone already slow as crap. iOS 7 on iPhone 4, iOS 9 on iPhone 4S and iOS 10 on iPhone 5? What is the point when you give x years of software update when that OS completely ruined the phone? I rather them stop supporting the devices and allow me downgrade to software that runs in acceptable speed.
You guys think Apple gave X years software support is great, in reality, it is stupid.
Phones are purely commodity. Anything money can buy is commodity. If my 300 dollars Android phone comes with quick charger and USB C cable and headphone, then $1300 iPhone X should.
And yes, Android phone offers similar support, experience and service Apple offers and sometimes better.
12 weeks ago
They’d better. I use the iPad brick to charge my phone because it’s so much faster. Even brings a dead phone back to life faster.
12 weeks ago
This should have happened last year with the iPhone 8 and especially the iPhone X. But no, they have to include the old USB-A cable so you need an adapter to connect it to a MacBook!
Apple can keep talking about how they are courageous to remove the headphone jack and push everyone forward using better connectors but they should really not half-ass the transition to USB-C without any good reason. The real courage would be to switch the lightning port to USB-C. Not only do we need two charging cables now for iPhone/iPad and MacBook but there is also no way to connect the lightning headphones to a Mac.
Apple can keep talking about how they are courageous to remove the headphone jack and push everyone forward using better connectors but they should really not half-ass the transition to USB-C without any good reason. The real courage would be to switch the lightning port to USB-C. Not only do we need two charging cables now for iPhone/iPad and MacBook but there is also no way to connect the lightning headphones to a Mac.
12 weeks ago
It's irrelevant to bring up what other competitors do because they are not offering the same value story.
And their phones also don't cost 1200 goddamn dollars[ Read All Comments ]
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