Apple's Beats brand in April unveiled the Powerbeats Pro, a redesigned wire-free version of its popular fitness-oriented Powerbeats earbuds.
MacRumors Readers Hoping for USB-C Instead of Lightning in 2019 iPhones
This morning, we asked our readers on Twitter if they'd prefer to see USB-C ports or Lightning ports in the 2019 iPhone lineup, and the results so far are clear -- MacRumors readers are ready to transition to USB-C.
With more than 15,000 responses across both platforms at the time this article was written, 74% of Twitter users have chosen USB-C over Lightning, as have 71% of Facebook users.
There have been some rumors suggesting Apple is at least considering transitioning to USB-C in the 2019 iPhone lineup, with USB-C prototypes supposedly floating around, but the most recent information from Japanese site Mac Otakara suggests Apple will continue to use Lightning for the 2019 iPhone lineup.
Given the mixed rumors, it's looking like we may not be seeing a shift to USB-C in 2019, but it's still possible, and the rumors are encouraging because it means we may see a transition away from Lightning in the near future. iPhones in 2020 or 2021 could feature USB-C, even if the 2019 iPhones don't.
Many current iPhone users may be reluctant to shift from Lightning ports because they've spent years collecting Lightning-based accessories, but there are some benefits to be aware of. With USB-C, iPhones would charge faster than with the current 5W iPhone adapter and Lightning cable setup, and cables would be interchangeable with cables for the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iPad lineup.
With USB-C support for the iPhone, a single cable could be used to charge all of the above listed devices, and existing power adapters for these devices would fast charge the iPhone, providing at least 50% power in 30 minutes and 80% power within an hour.
MacRumors readers on social networks have weighed in, but we also want to hear from those who are visiting the site. Our Twitter and Facebook polls are open for the rest of the day, so go vote! USB-C or Lightning?
Also, if you don't already, make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, where we share news stories, polls, videos, tips and tricks, and other interesting Apple-related information.
With more than 15,000 responses across both platforms at the time this article was written, 74% of Twitter users have chosen USB-C over Lightning, as have 71% of Facebook users.
There have been some rumors suggesting Apple is at least considering transitioning to USB-C in the 2019 iPhone lineup, with USB-C prototypes supposedly floating around, but the most recent information from Japanese site Mac Otakara suggests Apple will continue to use Lightning for the 2019 iPhone lineup.
Given the mixed rumors, it's looking like we may not be seeing a shift to USB-C in 2019, but it's still possible, and the rumors are encouraging because it means we may see a transition away from Lightning in the near future. iPhones in 2020 or 2021 could feature USB-C, even if the 2019 iPhones don't.
Many current iPhone users may be reluctant to shift from Lightning ports because they've spent years collecting Lightning-based accessories, but there are some benefits to be aware of. With USB-C, iPhones would charge faster than with the current 5W iPhone adapter and Lightning cable setup, and cables would be interchangeable with cables for the MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and iPad lineup.
With USB-C support for the iPhone, a single cable could be used to charge all of the above listed devices, and existing power adapters for these devices would fast charge the iPhone, providing at least 50% power in 30 minutes and 80% power within an hour.
Do you want the 2019 iPhones to have a USB-C or Lightning Port?
— MacRumors.com (@MacRumors) February 11, 2019
MacRumors readers on social networks have weighed in, but we also want to hear from those who are visiting the site. Our Twitter and Facebook polls are open for the rest of the day, so go vote! USB-C or Lightning?
Also, if you don't already, make sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, where we share news stories, polls, videos, tips and tricks, and other interesting Apple-related information.
Related Roundup: 2019 iPhones
[ 229 comments ]
Top Rated Comments
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27 weeks ago
Why not go with an entirely new proprietary port that combines USB-C and Lightning into USBightning-C? You'll still have to replace your Lightning cables, and it won't be compatible with USB-C, but it'll look like both connectors.
This is the future!
This is the future!
27 weeks ago
Why would anyone want a proprietary lightning port when there's an industry standard port that does the job just as well?
27 weeks ago
I prefer the lightening connector, I think Apple did a great job with the lightning connector.
I also don't want to have to go through yet another multi-year period with hotel rooms that don't have compatible iPhone docking stations.
I also don't want to have to go through yet another multi-year period with hotel rooms that don't have compatible iPhone docking stations.
27 weeks ago
USB-C is a bad design that connects around a center flat pin, which can break or clog with dust easily. Good luck.
27 weeks ago
Would love to see the 900M iPhone users poll on if they care or even know about usb-c.
27 weeks ago
USB C is a really crappy design, so fragile... Nah, I prefer lightning by far.
What's fragile is those cheap lightning cables apple gives you with a thousand dollar iphone......
27 weeks ago
To be honest, as a techie and consumer, I don't get the allure of USB-C as a connector for iPhones.
[LIST=1]
* We've been using Lightning for years and numerous iPhone versions...so what's wrong with Lightning?
* What will USB-C on iPhone actually IMPROVE for the average consumer?
* What will USB-C on iPhone actually IMPROVE for the average techie?
* Every iOS device (except iPad Pro I think) transfers at USB 2.0 speeds. Those are the dark ages. It really drives me nuts when I want to transfer a few hundred 320K mp3 files to my iPhone and it takes 15+ minutes. In 2019. If USB-C connectivity promised USB 3.0 speeds with syncing to iTunes, that would be a positive in my book. But that's only 1 positive so far.
* Going back to #1, unless there is a compelling reason to change, it's just going to annoy consumers AGAIN that they have to toss all their expensive Lightning cables/plugs/accessories when they buy a new $1000 phone and REPLACE all those accessories with lots of cash. Honestly, this would be a very large part of my decision-making process and I'm sure a large percent of others, too. And no, I'm not buying a dozen $29 "adapters" for my various cars, wall outlets, charging ports, portable radios, etc.
[LIST=1]
* We've been using Lightning for years and numerous iPhone versions...so what's wrong with Lightning?
* What will USB-C on iPhone actually IMPROVE for the average consumer?
* What will USB-C on iPhone actually IMPROVE for the average techie?
* Every iOS device (except iPad Pro I think) transfers at USB 2.0 speeds. Those are the dark ages. It really drives me nuts when I want to transfer a few hundred 320K mp3 files to my iPhone and it takes 15+ minutes. In 2019. If USB-C connectivity promised USB 3.0 speeds with syncing to iTunes, that would be a positive in my book. But that's only 1 positive so far.
* Going back to #1, unless there is a compelling reason to change, it's just going to annoy consumers AGAIN that they have to toss all their expensive Lightning cables/plugs/accessories when they buy a new $1000 phone and REPLACE all those accessories with lots of cash. Honestly, this would be a very large part of my decision-making process and I'm sure a large percent of others, too. And no, I'm not buying a dozen $29 "adapters" for my various cars, wall outlets, charging ports, portable radios, etc.
27 weeks ago
Why would anyone want a proprietary lightning port when there's an industry standard port that does the job just as well?
They already have 20 Lightning cables.
27 weeks ago
Apple needs to create another proprietary connector that is not compatible with anything else, I would like to add another dongle to my dongle bag. :p
[ Read All Comments ]
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