Apple’s most important – because best-selling – hardware is and remains the iPhone. And this is exactly where the group has been forcing its customers to use a proprietary interface for years: the Lightning format that was introduced more than ten years ago. Apple has held back the transition to USB-C for the iPhone 14 series that will be released in autumn 2022. Apparently there was a moment when the company also considered continuing to use Lightning in the upcoming iPhone 15. That’s what a leaker claims that has been right in the past.
Lightning is disappearing from more and more devices
Lightning is disappearing from more and more Apple devices. The transition to USB-C was successful with the iPad last year, and even the Siri Remote on the latest-generation Apple TV 4K comes with the standard interface. Only a few accessories – some of which Apple hasn’t touched for years – continue to use Lightning alongside the iPhone. In addition, there is pressure from the EU Commission, which has made USB-C the standard.
But as the Apple leaker Unknownz21 now claims on Twitter, it is said to be from the iPhone 15 initially even a version with a Lightning connector have given – in the early development process. After all, Apple sawed it off pretty quickly: “It was quickly scrapped.” However, the report shows how difficult Apple was with the end of the interface. It also entails an entire ecosystem of “Made for iPhone” (Mfi) products that the company certifies.
USB-C for the iPhone is also very special
In the meantime, however, Apple has come up with a solution. Because even with USB-C, a certification of accessory products is pending. Only these should be able to use the full speed for quick charging and data transmission, but not every forest and meadow cable. Apple also plans to use the long-standing certification program for USB-C accessories for the 2023 generation of iPhones, a leaker reported on Twitter at the end of February.
That would mean that while it’s possible to use competing Power Delivery USB-C power adapters, they can only really be used at full speed with MfI cables. When it comes to data transfer, Apple also has options. Currently, Lightning to USB-C cables are limited to sluggish USB 2.0 speeds. This could be retained with non-certified USB-C cables. It is also unclear whether Apple might limit more speed via USB-C to the Pro models of the iPhone 15.
(bsc)
