It is 99% sure that Apple will replace the Lightning connector on the iPhone when it comes to its iPhone 15 tomorrow at its Wanderlust event. The change happened exactly 11 years later, on September 12, 2022, the company replaced the 30-pin connector that accompanied the iPhone since its conception.
“Because of the dimensions of the new phone and all the capabilities we want to add, we have to carefully manage the space inside the phone.” – Bob Mansfield, VP of Hardware Engineering | Apple – September 12, 2012
A connector that is 80% smaller than its predecessor, offers faster charging and data transfer speeds and, unlike the USB-A and micro-USB ports that dominate the market, can be connected regardless of the “side” one will use.
The Lighting port has become an important part of Apple’s strategy to maintain control of its most expensive platform: iOS. By restricting the accessories that can connect to the iPhone, the company has not only generated an interesting amount of money – through the MFi (Made for iPhone) program – but has been able to have visibility and control over what connects to iPhone.
Apple uses its Lightning connector not only on the iPhone. AirPods also use it, which makes sense considering that most people who buy a pair of Apple headphones do so to use them with their iPhone. But also keyboards, mice (yes, the plural of mouse is mice), trackpads and even wireless chargers. And although it is almost certain that the AirPods will also change their connector – not because Apple wants it but because of the EU’s imposition of a single and “universal” connector for all portable electronic devices – it is not clear if these other peripherals too. make the change..
What is certain is that change is not easy. And it’s not because of several reasons, which are shown in these scenarios:
1 – Check how many Lighting cables you have lying around. When you update your iPhone, it’s almost useless.
2 – Review the connectors you are currently using. On the one hand they are Lightning, but what about the other? A good portion of users have a USB-A type “pig” that does not work with the cable that comes with the new iPhones.
3 – Do you see those outlets that also include standard power connectors and a pair of USB-A connectors? Useless too.
4 – Think about that family where not everyone updates at the same time. Now imagine the mess of cables you will have while making the transition.
5 – Restore your iPhone. Have you changed your AirPods? Or should it live with USB-C on one side and Lightning on the other?
6 – If Apple keeps it up mode of operation It will not only sell the iPhone 15 but will continue to produce the iPhone 14, 14 Plus and, of course, the iPhone 13 mini and 13, none of which have a USB-C port.
We have experienced that, exactly 11 years ago. And for most users it is not easy. Yes, there is a “universal” port that sounds nice but the truth is that USB-C is not that standard because, even if people don’t know it, there are like 4 differences inside it and I’m almost sure that tomorrow Apple will come out with a lower ace sleeve so as not to completely lose control.
