The big iPhone news is likely to be a major redesign to the flagship iPhones in autumn 2022, and part of that redesign just might finally be the elimination of the Lightning port. Expect Apple to usher in the port-free iPhone in 2022.
If Apple hasn’t made the move to USB-C on flagship iPhones already, I don’t think it’s going to. 2020’s redesign would have been the time to do it.
That’s because I believe (and I have no inside knowledge—this is just my instinct based on covering Apple for the past few years) that Apple hasn’t moved from Lightning to USB-C because it’s going to skip USB-C altogether and go straight to a port-free, wirelessly charging iPhone.
Otherwise, expect a continued emphasis on big screens and better cameras—two of the three big things (alongside battery life) consumers most often say they want when polled about their smartphone preferences.
MacDailyNews Take: In 2019, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Apple would launch an iPhone in 2021 that doesn’t include a Lightning connector. Apple will only remove the Lightning port from the highest-end iPhone, creating a “completely wireless experience,” Ming-Chi Kuo write at the time. We believe he was simply a year early with his prediction.
This will also neatly obliterate the EU’s shortsighted, innovation-stagnating “USB-C ports for all” dictate.
A port-free iPhone would be perfect for significantly increasing water resistance while also saving space that could be used for more battery or other components – it’s a win-win! — MacDailyNews, December 5, 2019
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Most cars require the phone plugged into the USB port for CarPlay.
My card reader has to be plugged into the phone.
Lots of other stuff also needs to be plugged into the phone.
For those instances expect Apple to design and release another additional cost non-standardized dongle/cable using a proprietary wireless protocol to maintain signal privacy/security.
And what about trying to use the phone while charging?
Or you’re away from outlets and tables and have your battery pack with you? You’re supposed to hook up your battery to a MagSafe charger and rest your phone on it?
Maybe by the release of the portless iPhone, Apple will have perfected their short distance wireless charging tech they had prototyped years ago.
And I still miss the old headphone jack. I don’t want or need AirPods. I‘ve got 5 wired headphones in my jackets, on my desk and nightstand. And I sometimes need to charge while having my headphones on.
When remote wireless charging tech becomes standard it would be fun if Apple or a third party developed one that looked like an Arc Reactor you could carry around. LOL
You are hopelessly and repeatedly apologetic all in for Apple going stupid, once again removing valuable ports. Followed by the consternation and learning curve of something users are accustomed to for years. Not to mention the savings Apple incurs and turns around to make even more, more, money with spaghetti peripherals, user pain be damned.
I abhor Apple Apologists who wrap themselves in the flag of innovation at the expense of customers…
I decided my own personal waste port was a waste of valuable space, so I had this port surgically removed, as I thought was a not so valuable port. I realise now this port is extremely valuable and I have had it surgically restored. Now my Pipeline is whole again, and ready for Tim.
Thankfully, the claims that I am full of shhhht are no longer true. M A-holes GA!!
LOL. Why do you assume I use Apple products or particularly care if they remove all the ports? I just enjoy tech and enjoy ports on the devices I use. Any opinion of mine will have no impact in Apple’s decision so I make no apology for any mistakes you perceive follows from their decision. I just stated how amusing it would be if wireless charging tech was available that it also was fun. I can agree with you that it’s crazy how Apple continues to change hw interfaces and then expects the user to pay for new connectors.
I’d say GøœęB needs as Xanax, Xennex7110.
And I need to record music without latency. What about mic- interface- and yes, phones?…
If there is no “port” (a hole in casing), it will probably have contact points for a physical connection. Maybe using MagSafe to align connection. People need to connect things like a high-quality microphone. Or transfer off a large video file quickly. Or dock to external systems. Apple may eliminate that last hole, but not a way to make “wired” connection.
Good point. However, exposed contact points for power and/or wired connectivity may require some method to prevent accidental shorting. Ports were physically designed so you could ‘plug’ them but since the surface will be relatively smooth on a device with no ports the anchor points will no longer be available to cover the contact points.
No need for power connection points, since that’s what MagSafe already provides without direct connection. The contact points only needed for fast data transfer. I suggested before for Apple to make a camera module (a cylinder) that attaches to back of iPhone for a true “pro” experience with iPhone (and make iPhone’s built-in camera solid but basic like on iPhone SE). Such a product could use MacSafe and my imaginary data connection points.
That camera module idea sure sounds like what Handspring imagined for their idea of what future devices would look like, but implemented commercially using their Springboard tech. Did you see the Youtube vid by Verge on the history of Apple and Handspring inc? https://youtu.be/b9_Vh9h3Ohw
I have Handspring Visor, it still works. I used with a memory expansion module for Compact Flash card. I read quite a few classic novels, stored on card. I think MagSafe on back of iPhone is meant to (eventually) do more than charge iPhone and hold a wallet. It could be like Springboard, except it takes up no internal volume.
I had a few of the visors as they came out. I stopped at the Prism, their color device. I didn’t get the phone module but had some fun with the camera module called I think the eyeModule. Gotta go dig it out and play with it again. 🙂
A phone without an input or output porn might want technological assistance – i.e. surgery – to get a least one input or output port back.
We must respect a phone’s desire to transition back to a port. Transphonual, transportual.
We cannot allow transphonbia to exist!
Even Tim Cook is rumoured to want to become Tammy.
If it doesn’t support wired CarPlay I will stick with my 12 Pro. I’m not going to buy a new $90k Mercedes just to support a portless $1k phone.
Your brain is smart enough to enable you to buy a $90k Mercedes but you’re not smart enough to know you can buy a wireless CarPlay adapter?
Really?
American’ts who dumb ITW this are dummmmmer than DUMBBbBbBbbBE
*Who downvote this