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DigiTimes Vaguely Says 2019 iPhones Are 'Likely to Support USB-C'
Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes has published a report today claiming that 2019 iPhones will come with USB-C support, but the vague wording makes it hard to decipher what they are referring to exactly.
Cage Chao and Jessie Shen, citing sources within Apple's supply chain:
A similarly vague report from The Wall Street Journal last year ignited speculation that the iPhone X would have a USB-C port, for example, but oft-reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo accurately said 2017 iPhones would retain Lightning connectors, with added support for fast charging via USB-C Power Delivery.
Given the unlikely possibility of a wholesale switch from Lightning to USB-C, and that the latest iPhones already support USB-C fast charging, the report could be referring to the type of power adapter included in the box.
The report adds:
In the end, this report could merely be suggesting that Apple will not bundle an 18W power adapter and Lightning to USB-C cable with iPhones until 2019, rather than this year. But, without further details, it is open to interpretation.
A transition to USB-C could make sense if Apple wants to use one standard across its MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads, but with Apple pushing towards a wireless future, it's unclear if the controversy of switching to USB-C would be worthwhile considering the Lightning connector might be removed entirely down the road.
It's worth noting that DigiTimes has a rather mixed track record at reporting on Apple's roadmap. The website claimed that Apple's AirPower charging mat would be available in March, and said a second-generation iPhone SE would launch in May or June, but neither release date proved to be accurate.
At this point, this report should be treated with some skepticism until DigiTimes provides more specific details, or the information is backed up by a more reliable source such as Kuo, who recently returned to the scene.
Cage Chao and Jessie Shen, citing sources within Apple's supply chain:
Apple is redesigning chargers and related interface for its next-generation iPhone and iPad devices, and will likely have its 2019 series of iPhones come with USB Type-C support, according to sources at analog IC vendors.The flashiest take would be that Apple is planning to remove its Lightning connector from iPhones, in favor of a more universally adopted USB-C port, but that perennial rumor has been proven incorrect time and time again.
A similarly vague report from The Wall Street Journal last year ignited speculation that the iPhone X would have a USB-C port, for example, but oft-reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo accurately said 2017 iPhones would retain Lightning connectors, with added support for fast charging via USB-C Power Delivery.
Given the unlikely possibility of a wholesale switch from Lightning to USB-C, and that the latest iPhones already support USB-C fast charging, the report could be referring to the type of power adapter included in the box.
The report adds:
Speculation circulated previously in the smartphone market that Apple would adopt Type-C interface in its next-generation iPhone series slated for launch later in 2018. Apple is still in its redesign phase and will not be able to equip the technology in its upcoming iPhones, the sources claimed.The speculation mentioned in the report likely refers to a pair of rumors that have suggested 2018 iPhones will include an 18W USB-C charger and a Lightning to USB-C cable in the box, enabling much faster charging speeds than the tiny square-shaped 5W power adapter included with current iPhones.
In the end, this report could merely be suggesting that Apple will not bundle an 18W power adapter and Lightning to USB-C cable with iPhones until 2019, rather than this year. But, without further details, it is open to interpretation.
A transition to USB-C could make sense if Apple wants to use one standard across its MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads, but with Apple pushing towards a wireless future, it's unclear if the controversy of switching to USB-C would be worthwhile considering the Lightning connector might be removed entirely down the road.
It's worth noting that DigiTimes has a rather mixed track record at reporting on Apple's roadmap. The website claimed that Apple's AirPower charging mat would be available in March, and said a second-generation iPhone SE would launch in May or June, but neither release date proved to be accurate.
At this point, this report should be treated with some skepticism until DigiTimes provides more specific details, or the information is backed up by a more reliable source such as Kuo, who recently returned to the scene.
Related Roundup: 2019 iPhones
[ 108 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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14 months ago
Lighting is superior to USBC IMO. the port never fails, and always clicks, USBC becomes loose just like mini usb, and micro usb. I personally hate the connection itself.
14 months ago
But if they get rid of the lightning port all those lightning earbuds and even the adapter that comes with current phones will become useless.
If only there was some universal port for headphones that would have allowed for consistency over all these years...
14 months ago
But if they get rid of the lightning port all those lightning earbuds and even the adapter that comes with current phones will become useless.
If only there was some universal port for headphones that would have allowed for consistency over all these years...
If only there was some universal port for headphones that would have allowed for consistency over all these years...
14 months ago
Seems obvious the charger on the wall is changing from USB-A to USB-C... the lightning will still be there on the other end to connect to the iphone/ ipad/ magic mouse etc.
14 months ago
Apple should have dumped the lightning port for USB-C in 2016 with the iPhone 7. That would have been 'courage' - removing a proprietary port and embracing an open standard for both data, charging and a headphone standard.
14 months ago
I think they're just planning to ship a USB-C to Lightning cable in the box... angering the masses living in the USB-A Stone Age.
14 months ago
I think this rumor is being interpreted wrong. It most likely points to the power adapter adopting a USB-C port, and the power cable becoming Lightning to USB-C, instead of Lightning to USB-A, an interface that is no longer found on modern Macs anyway.
14 months ago
Do not want. Lightning is superior to USB-C in every way (from a mobile device standpoint).
14 months ago
Apple should have dumped the lightning port for USB-C in 2016 with the iPhone 7. That would have been 'courage' - removing a proprietary port and embracing an open standard for both data, charging and a headphone standard.
I disagree.We get good things in life because companies are able to innovate outside of the constraints of standards. We got lightning in the age of micro USB, which was a very good thing for consumers given how poor micro USB is as a connector. Apple users got to enjoy lightning for a whole 3 years before there was ever a device with a USB-C connector. If anything, it’s the standards that are stopping things being ‘great’ as USB-C has taken so long to get to market and has has compatibility problems along the way.
Both of which have been worse for customers in comparison to what Apple has been doing.
At this point, I would rather Apple just ride the lightning wave all the way till they are ready to dump the charging port altogether and release the first portless phone.
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