Five Apple Products Rumored to Switch to USB-C

While the iPhone still uses the Lightning connector for now, Apple has been transitioning many of its devices to USB-C in recent years.

iPhone 15 to Switch From Lightning to USB C in 2023 feature sans arrow
Apple now offers USB-C ports on every Mac that it currently sells, ranging from the MacBook Air to the Mac Pro. Other devices with a USB-C port include the 2018 and newer iPad Pro, 2020 and newer iPad Air, sixth-generation iPad mini, Studio Display, and Pro Display XDR. Apple also includes a USB-C port on the Magic Keyboard for iPad, on the Beats Flex, and on the charging cases for the Beats Studio Buds and Beats Fit Pro.

Rumors suggest that at least five other Apple products and accessories will also switch to USB-C in the future, as outlined below.

iPhone 15

While the iPhone 14 is expected to stick with the Lightning connector, at least one new iPhone 15 model will feature a USB-C port, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Shortly after Kuo shared this information, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that Apple was indeed testing prototype iPhone models with USB-C ports.

Last month, the European Union announced that it reached an agreement to introduce a new law that would make USB-C the common charging port across all new smartphones, tablets, headphones, and many other electronics by fall 2024. iPhone 15 models are expected to launch around September 2023, ahead of the European Union's deadline.

Entry-Level iPad

Apple plans to update its entry-level/lower-cost iPad with a USB-C port, according to both 9to5Mac's Filipe Espósito and Gurman. Apple could release the 10th-generation iPad in September as it did with the last three generations of the device.

iPad 9 Apple Store
The launch of the 10th-generation iPad would complete Apple's transition to USB-C across its entire iPad lineup after four years.

AirPods Charging Cases

Once the iPhone switches to USB-C, Kuo said he expects other Apple accessories to adopt USB-C in the foreseeable future, including AirPods charging cases.

usb c airpods
Apple is expected to announce second-generation AirPods Pro later this year, but rumors have been conflicting about whether the new charging case will continue to use the Lightning connector or switch to a USB-C port.

MagSafe Battery Pack

Another accessory that Kuo expects to switch from Lightning to USB-C in the future is the MagSafe Battery Pack for the iPhone 12 and newer.

magsafe battery pack on iphone

Magic Mouse/Trackpad/Keyboard Trio

Last, Kuo expects Apple's trio of Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse accessories for the Mac to adopt USB-C ports in the future. All three accessories are currently equipped with a Lightning connector for charging.

magic mouse 2 lightning
Beyond the iPhone 15 launching in the second half of 2023, there is no clear timeframe for other Apple products switching to USB-C.

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Top Rated Comments

sniffies Avatar
34 months ago
Apple is doomed if they put USB-C on the underside of the mouse.
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
34 months ago
IMO: it's beyond "about time."
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
34 months ago

Boooooo. Why would anyone want this cheap, Androidy, crappy connector. Not to mention all the peripherals and cables which will now be wasted
USB-C offers a faster-charging speed. It is also more durable in my opinion.

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/why-you-should-switch-to-usb-c-fast-charging-now/
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProfessionalFan Avatar
34 months ago
I can't help but laugh every time I see the upside down Magic Mouse charging.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
34 months ago

IMO: it's beyond "about time."
It's time but the "Courage" is not there, yet.

The lightning connector is so outdated now.

The new Magic Mouse should not look like that. It's 2022 and Jony Ive is no longer with the company.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IMPOSSIBLEMAN Avatar
34 months ago
iPhone 14 should have gotten USB-C. I think Apple is delaying it just to boost sales for the tock year version (iPhone 15)
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)