Apple Inc. is testing future iPhone models that replace the current Lightning charging port with the more common USB-C connector, according to people familiar with the situation, a move that could help the company comply with upcoming European regulations.
In addition to testing models with a USB-C port in recent months, Apple is working on an adapter that will allow future iPhones to work with accessories designed for the current Lightning connector, said people who asked not to be identified because the issue is private.
If the company continues with the change, it will not happen until 2023 at the earliest. Apple plans to keep the Lightning connector for this year’s new models.
Switching to USB-C, Apple will streamline the collection of chargers used by its various devices. Most of the company’s iPad and Mac now rely on USB-C, not Lightning. This means that Apple customers can’t use any chargers for their iPhones, iPads and Macs – a strange setting, given Apple’s penchant for simplicity. Wireless chargers for both iPhone and Apple Watch also use a USB-C connector for their power bricks.
Apple, based in Cupertino, California, declined to comment on the change.
This move, which analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also predicts, will come with compromises – and potentially create confusion for customers. USB-C chargers are slightly larger than the Lightning connector, but can offer faster charging and data transfer speeds. The new connectors will also be compatible with many existing chargers for devices other than Apple, such as Android phones and tablets.
But most Apple accessories – including AirPods, Apple TV remotes, MagSafe batteries and MagSafe Duo chargers – still use Lightning. The developed USB-C adapter can alleviate this problem, but it is unclear whether Apple will include it in the box or make customers pay extra for it.
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Apple plans to keep the Lightning connector for this year’s new models.
There is also a wide range of third-party accessories, such as chargers, car adapters and external microphones that use the existing connector. Switching would force third-party suppliers to redesign their products.
And the change will reduce Apple’s control over the iPhone accessories market. Apple is forcing accessory manufacturers to pay to use the Lightning connector and participate in a rigorous approval process. USB-C is a standard used by many consumer device manufacturers, including most Android phone manufacturers, making it less likely that Apple will be able to exercise its usual level of control.
In recent years, Apple has also been working on an iPhone without a charging port, seeking to promote the MagSafe wireless charging system introduced in 2020. But wireless is often slower when charging the phone’s battery and doesn’t sync data with other devices. so fast . In addition, it is not practical in all situations, such as the setting in some cars.
The main reason for the change is the decision of the European Union to force manufacturers of phones and other devices to accept USB-C. Legislation for such a requirement was approved by a majority in April.
“Mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and earphones, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers rechargeable via cable must be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of the manufacturer,” according to the law.
Apple says European law will damage its ability to innovate. “We are concerned that a regulation requiring only one type of connector for all devices on the market will harm European consumers by delaying the introduction of useful innovations in charging standards, including those related to safety and energy efficiency,” the company said last year. year.
Apple may release a compatible version of the iPhone for Europe, while keeping Lightning elsewhere. But having multiple versions of the same iPhone with different connectors would likely lead to even more confusion as well as supply chain headaches.
It is unclear whether Apple may eventually abandon the USB-C switch if European law fails to materialize. Many users are calling for change nonetheless, in the name of simplicity.
Switching to USB-C would be the second port change in iPhone history. From the original iPhone in 2007 to the iPhone 4s in 2011, Apple used the 30-pin connector for the iPod, popular years earlier. With the iPhone 5, Apple has moved to the smaller Lightning port, promoting its more durable design that can be inserted into the iPhone in both directions.
This switch caused some complaints, but customers accepted the change fairly quickly. At the time, Apple was selling a separate adapter for old accessories. It cost $ 29.
Apple’s Peek Performance event: a pocket-friendly new iPhone SE, Mac Studio and more
Apple’s first affordable smartphone in two years
Apple started 2022 with a positive note with its first live event from Apple Park in Cupertino, California. The “Peek Performance” event witnessed the launch of the budget smartphone Apple Apple SE, iPad Air, Macs and more.
iPhone SE: Powerful and affordable
iPhone SE (2022) was one of the highlights of the Peek Performance event. Apple launches affordable smartphone in two years. The new device is an upgrade of the iPhone SE (2020) and is priced at 43,900 Rs for a 64GB model. While 128GB is priced at Rs 48,900, 256GB is priced at Rs 58,900. The latest version is equipped with a 5G and A15 Bionic chip. The device has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display that makes everything look amazing. The new SE has retained the design element of its predecessor and is available in color options Starlight, Midnight and Product Red. (Image: Apple)
iPhone SE High performance and photography
iPhone SE (2022) is connected to power. The A15 Bionic chip is believed to provide up to 1.8 times faster CPU performance than the iPhone 8. The latest smartphone features a 12MP sensor with an f / 1.8 wide-angle lens, similar to the 2020 model. comes with a number of enhancements, including improved visual processing and support for features such as Deep Fusion, photographic styles and Smart HDR 4. SE (2022) also supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The 7MP camera sensor in the front box allows users to take selfies and video chats with impeccable quality. The front camera has portrait lighting with six functions, and also supports 1080p video recording, video acceleration and night mode. (Image: Apple)
iPad Air (2022) has an M1 chip and support for the central stage
Another big presentation of the event was the latest model iPad Air. iPad Air (2022) is powered by Apple’s M1 chip and features an improved front-facing camera with central scene support. The Center Stage Support feature was introduced in 2021 on the iPad Pro and iPad mini. iPad Air (2022) has retained the design of the 2020 model. iPad Air (2022) starts at 54,900 rupees for the 64 GB WiFi model, while the 64 GB WiFi + cellular model is priced at 68,900 rupees. The device is also available in 256GB WiFi and WiFi + cellular models, but the official price has not yet been announced. The device will be available in color options Starlight, Blue, Space Gray, Pink and Purple. The new models will be made with pre-orders in India from March 11. (Image: Apple)
Mac Studio features a 27-inch 5K panel, Hi-fi audio, front camera
Apple has introduced its high-end computing device Mac Studio. The latest offering comes with a 27-inch 5K panel, hi-fi audio and front camera. Mac Studio is aimed at professionals who are looking forward to upgrading their existing equipment. The device, powered by M1 Max SoC, 32 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, is priced at Rs 1,900,900 in India for the base model. The model, powered by the M1 Ultra SoC with 64GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, starts at Rs 3.89,900. Meanwhile, Apple Studio Display with standard glass is priced at Rs 1.59,900 and nano-textured glass at Rs 1.89,900. Both Mac Studio and Apple Studio Display are listed in Apple’s online store in India. (Image: Apple)
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