The upcoming ‘iPhone 12’ will not feature a USB-C port, according to a new leak that claims that Apple will continue with Lightning for another 12 months before switching to a portless wireless charging system for its mobile devices.
Previous rumours had suggested that Apple may switch to USB-C in 2020 after the EU recently rejected the company’s arguments in favour of Lightning and called for a standardised mobile charging system.
The vast majority of new smartphones now use the faster USB-C for charging and data transfer, but Apple won’t be jumping on board with its next iPhone, according to leaker ‘Fudge’.
In a tweet on Monday, Fudge said that the USB-C prototype that has been internally tested by Apple won’t actually be making it to the production line.
iPhone users will need to keep a Lightning cable around for another 12 months at least, something that has been corroborated by other insiders, including Jon Prosser.
There could be big changes for the ‘iPhone 13’ though as Apple wants to include a ‘Smart Connector’ from late 2021 onward.
This would mean that Apple’s mobile devices would not have any ports at all for the first time.
Apple designers have not been shy in stating their desire for an iPhone without any external ports and buttons as part of a sleeker, streamlined and modern design aesthetic.
A fewer number of ports also reduces the points for potential hardware failure.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that the high-end iPhone model will offer a “completely wireless experience” in 2021.
Users would therefore need a wireless dock or station to keep their phones charged during the day.
One major change for the 2020 slate of iPhones will be the arrival of OLED displays for every model.
Last year’s iPhone 11 had an LCD display, but all four rumoured models are set to finally house premium OLED screens.