Although the design decisions of Apple’s iPhone 14 are opinions are going to splitthey’re nothing compared to what Apple plans to do next…
in a new one Bloomberg report, acclaimed Apple reporter Mark Gurman reveals that Apple is currently testing iPhones that ditch the company’s own (and incredibly lucrative) Lightning port in favor of USB-C. And it could make the iPhone 14 series worthless.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max concept render
AllApplePro
Gurman argues that Apple’s decision is motivated by upcoming changes in European legislation that would force all phone manufacturers to use USB-C. The company has previously railed against the changes, claiming that “regulations mandating only one type of connector for all devices on the market will harm European consumers by delaying the introduction of beneficial innovations in charging standards, including those related to safety and energy.” efficiency.”
But it’s an argument the EU has rejected, and last month the legislation to mandate USB-C was passed by a majority vote. And the ramifications for the iPhone 14 series could be significant.
In Apple’s favour, EU law is unlikely to affect iPhones until 2023, and Gurman says Apple is testing USB-C on early iPhone 15 prototypes. But if EU law passes, all iPhone models will soon see a Lightning connector as legacy devices. Not only by Apple fans, but also by Apple itself.
There is a precedent here. When the iPhone 5 introduced the Lightning port in 2011, Apple released the iPad 4 series just eight months after the iPad 3, it was an almost identical tablet with just a processor punch and… yes, the new Lightning port . iPad 3 sales fell off a cliff, as did their resale value.
If Apple launches the iPhone 15 series with USB-C, it is therefore likely that the company will relaunch older iPhones (including iPhone 14 models) with USB-C after the iPhone 15 is released. This would kill second-hand values for Lightning-equipped iPhone 14 models.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max renders based on leaked schedules
AllApplePro
And no, Apple is unlikely to sell USB-C iPhones in Europe and Lightning-equipped iPhones in the rest of the world, with Gurman explaining that “Having multiple versions of the same iPhone with different connectors would probably create even more confusion.” , as well as supply chain headaches.”
Moreover, there are objectively good reasons for the EU to make this change. Not only does a single port provide environmental benefits, USB-C also offers faster charging and data transfer speeds (which clear usage scenarios† It would also unite the Apple ranges, as MacBooks and iPad Pros already charge via USB-C.
Interestingly, Gurman’s report backs up a similar claim from popular Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on Wednesday. At the time, Kuo’s claim was rejected by many, as it was believed that Apple would prefer a MagSafe-only iPhone future before adopting USB-C. But with Gurman on his side, the weight of both experts will ensure this news is taken very seriously.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether Apple would scrap their USB-C plans if EU law doesn’t pass the law or if the company is already in too much trouble. Gurman says Apple is already working on “an adapter that will allow future iPhones to work with accessories designed for the current Lightning connector.”
In short, nervous iPhone fans might be wise to postpone their upgrade plans until 2023, when Wider design changes are coming anyway†
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