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New iPhones Won't Have USB-C Ports, But They Will Have USB-C Technology March 02 2017

While the new iPhones won't be getting USB-C ports just yet, they will be getting USB-C fast charging technology, which means less time waiting while your device charges. While USB-C has higher data transfer speeds (on par with USB 3.0), Lightning has speeds closer to USB 2.0. It will be interesting to see how Apple chooses to roll out faster charging as well as faster data transfer speeds in the future. What do you think about Apple retaining their proprietary Lightning technology? Good idea?

iPhone 8 to Adopt USB-C Connector February 28 2017

According to The Wall Street Journal and other sources, the iPhone 8 is rumored to be replacing the Lightning connector with a USB-C port.

Apple introduced their proprietary Lightning connector in 2012, which replaced the analog 30-pin connector which was used in all iPhones up until that time.

You may be asking yourself, what's the advantage of USB-C over Lightning? Here's a quick rundown:

  1. It's small. The new port is half the width and one-third the height of a standard USB connector and only slightly larger than Apple's Lightning or the micro-USB connectors.
  2. It's reversible. Unlike older USB cable, it doesn't matter which side is up with a Type-C plug; you can insert it either way.
  3. It's fast. Type-C ports can transfer data using the zippy speeds of the latest version of the USB protocol -- up to 10 gigabits per second (called superspeed+).
  4. It's powerful. The new connector can provide up to 100 watts of power, enough to power a laptop.
  5. It's flexible. Via adapters, users will be able to connect older devices to Type-C ports, even devices that use non-USB technologies, like DisplayPort, VGA and Ethernet.

Apple has a lot invested in their Lightning technology. But, USB-C is incredibly flexible. It will even handle Thunderbolt connections.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Apple should invest more into their Lightning technology, or shift to USB-C to replace the technology entirely?