Kuo: Apple to Launch 'Completely Wireless' iPhone Without Lightning Connector and 'iPhone SE 2 Plus' With Touch ID Power Button in 2021

Apple plans to launch a high-end iPhone without a Lightning connector in the second half of 2021, according to a new prediction from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device will supposedly offer a "completely wireless experience," suggesting that Apple is not switching to USB-C, but rather dropping the port entirely.

kuo iphone 2020 2021
An excerpt from Kuo's research note with TF International Securities, obtained by MacRumors:

Apple will create more differentiation between the highest-end and high- end models. It will benefit the shipment of the highest-end model and iPhone ASP. Among new 2H21 iPhone models, we expect that the highest-end model would cancel the [Lightning] port and provide the completely wireless experience.

Earlier in 2021, Kuo expects Apple will launch a so-called "iPhone SE 2 Plus" with a full-screen design but no Face ID, resulting in only a small notch. Instead, Touch ID will be built into the power button, according to Kuo:

Apple will launch the iPhone SE2 Plus in 1H21. We predict that the display size will be 5.5 or 6.1-inch. This model will adopt a full-screen design. The notch area will be smaller because of no Face ID support. The Touch ID will be integrated with the power button, which is located on the side.

A report from JPMorgan analysts earlier this week said that Apple will be moving toward a biannual iPhone release cycle to help smooth out sales. Coupled with Kuo's report, it does look like Apple may be moving towards a trend of lower-end iPhones each spring and higher-end iPhones each fall.

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Top Rated Comments

magicschoolbus Avatar
71 months ago
Sucks for me my CarPlay is dependent on my lightning cord.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thejadedmonkey Avatar
71 months ago

Sucks for me my CarPlay is dependent on my lightning cord.
If you can't afford a new car, you probably shouldn't own an iPhone.

/s
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ThomasJL Avatar
71 months ago
Why not release an even higher-end model with no display?
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jb-net Avatar
71 months ago
Hopefully not, I need secure syncing via iTunes. Wireless is not enough.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
benshive Avatar
71 months ago
I hardly ever use the port but I suspect many will not like this
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
johnyslats Avatar
71 months ago
Not sure the world’s ready for a completely wireless experience tbh
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)