Apple’s iPhone is not the one Lightning system that should change to USB-C

With information that the European Parliament has voted in favor of a brand new rule requiring all new telephones and smaller electronics that use a cable to cost to be outfitted with a USB-C port, Apple has a couple of main choices to make. While the brand new rule technically solely applies to merchandise bought in Europe, it’s more likely to have an effect on Apple’s worldwide product line very quickly. While Apple has already switched to USB-C on the Mac and most of its iPads, a number of merchandise nonetheless use the proprietary Lightning port that was launched with the iPhone 5 in 2012, together with the iPhone 14. Here are 10 units that might want to drop their Lightning port and change to USB-C:

iPhone

Last up to date: September 2022 (iPhone 14)

The iPhone 14 is probably going the final mannequin with a Lightning port. While the following iPhone will are available in underneath the 2024 deadline imposed by the EU, rumors counsel Apple will likely be switching to USB-C with the iPhone 15. Not solely will it deliver common charging together with your MacGuide and iPad, however USB-C additionally opens the door for quicker information transfers, which will likely be a welcome new characteristic now that the iPhone 14 Pro can shoot 48MP ProRAW images.

iPad

Last up to date: September 2021 (ninth technology)

Rumors are swirling that Apple gained’t even be ready till 2023 to replace its final remaining Lightning-based iPad to USB-C. The replace to the entry degree mannequin will possible arrive in October, with a brand new rumored slimmer-bezel design and a bigger show.

AirPods/AirPods Pro charging case

Last up to date: March 2022 (third technology)/September 2022 (2nd technology)

While the AirPods and AirPods Pro circumstances picked up MagSafe charging final 12 months, they nonetheless use Lightning to cost with a cable regardless of having ample room for a USB-C port on the underside of the case. Apple solely not too long ago each AirPods fashions, so that they’re unlikely to obtain one other refresh till 2025, however it’s very attainable Apple quietly launches a brand new case with USB-C for the present fashions alongside the iPhone 15.

Foundry

AirPods Max

Last up to date: December 2020 (1st technology)

When Apple launched the AirPods Max in December 2020, they didn’t have a charging case. Instead, Apple included a Lightning cable on the facet for charging (or wired listening by way of the elective Lightning to three.5mm audio cable). If Apple updates the AirPods Max in 2023 with an H2 chip for Adaptive Transparency or introduces new colours, that Lightning port will virtually actually change to USB-C. 

Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse

Last up to date: March 2022 (new colours)

Apple hasn’t modified the design of its trio of Mac equipment in practically a decade, however it does introduce new colours considerably usually. In 2021, all three equipment—Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse—received new colours to match the brand new 24-inch iMac, whereas the Magic Keyboard acquired a Touch ID sensor. Then earlier this 12 months, Apple started providing black variations of the equipment alongside the Mac Studio and Studio Display. While we don’t count on Apple to shock us with a Magic Mouse that prices correctly (which means you don’t need to flip it over to attach the charger), if Apple updates the iMac with an M3 processor subsequent 12 months as rumored, it should replace the equipment with USB-C ports as nicely.

EarPods

Last up to date: September 2016 (1st technology)

Apple started bundling EarPods with a Lightning connector with iPhones again when it eliminated the headphone jack from the iPhone 7. These days you’ll have to purchase them individually for $19 if you would like a pair, however we assume they’ll be discontinued as soon as Apple switches the iPhone to USB-C.

Apple

Powerbeats Pro

Last up to date: June 2020 (new colours)

While most of Apple’s Beats merchandise use USB-C or micro-USB for charging, there may be one—the EnergyBeats Pro—that also makes use of a Lightning-to-USB-C cable to cost. The subsequent time Apple releases new colours or updates the EnergyBeats Pro, that’s going to vary.