Apple should ditch the Lightning connector on AirPods and other accessories

The famous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo continues his predictions regarding the abandonment of the Lightning port by Apple, in favor of USB Type-C. This change would concern future iPhones in the second half of 2023, but also accessories. AirPods cases would switch to USB Type-C, but so would the MagSafe external battery, as well as peripherals such as mice, keyboards and touchpads.

In short, Apple would leave on the total abandonment of the Lightning connector, probably so as not to have to manage the production of cables / connectors Lightning and USB Type-C. In addition, this would allow the manufacturer to comply with the European directive which imposes USB Type-C. However, Ming-Chi Kuo does not indicate whether the changeover will take place completely in 2023, or in the following years, depending on the release dates of the next versions of the devices.

The Lightning port arrived in 2012 on the iPhone 5 to replace the dock connector inherited from the iPod. It had the advantage at the time of being able to be connected whatever its direction, unlike the micro USB socket.

Apple has already started the switch to USB Type-C on its iPad tablets. It is present on the Pro, mini and Air models. Only the classic iPad retains a Lightning socket.

In his forecasts, Ming-Chi Kuo also specifies that it is unlikely that Apple will offer an iPhone without a plug. Indeed, wireless charging is currently limited and does not offer as much power as wired charging. In addition, the analyst believes that the MagSafe technology ecosystem lacks maturity. This technology was introduced in 2020 with the iPhone 12, to ensure that the Qi inductive charger is optimally placed on the smartphone.