Hello everyone and welcome to ZD Tech, ZDNet’s daily editorial podcast. My name is Guillaume Serries and today I explain to you how the lightning port is dying a beautiful death.
Apple’s Lightning port has been under threat for some time. But the coup de grace came recently from the European legislator, who put the USB-C port on the table to charge all smartphones, laptops and other computer devices. Clearly, the future of the iPhone will go through the USB-C port, whether Apple likes it or not.
What is remarkable in the European decision is its scope. It covers all smartphones, tablets, e-readers, headphones, digital cameras, headphones and earphones, portable video game consoles and portable speakers. Curiously, smartwatches are not included in this list.
Apart from some oxidation issues, the Lightning port did the job pretty well.
But before going any further, here’s a little reminder of what the Lightning port was. Because yes, the iPhone dates from long before the Lightning port. This port was introduced in iPhones in September 2012 with the iPhone 5.
Before the 8-pin Lightning connector, there was a 30-pin connector, which was used on iPhones and iPods.
And apart from some oxidation issues, the Lightning port did the job pretty well. It’s a solid, well-designed connector that has stood the test of time.
The different options of Apple
So what will Apple do in the face of the European ban? Several options are available to the American giant.
On the one hand, Apple could stop selling its products in Europe. Yes, this is an unrealistic option. So there are two options left.
One of them would be to switch to USB-C. And this is a very feasible option. Because Apple already uses USB-C on some of its devices. And switching from Lightning to USB-C would be pretty painless for Apple and its customers. This could allow the iPhone to retain backwards compatibility with the huge ecosystem of existing devices and accessories by offering a dongle for those who need it.
The other option would be to completely remove the port. That is to say, to go completely wireless for charging and data transfer. It is a very attractive solution. Imagine a wireless world.
Apple likes to simplify
And it’s best to go wireless now. It will be less painful for clients in the long run.
Above all, Apple likes to simplify. And if the company can no longer generate revenue from Lightning connector licenses, I think Apple will abandon the port altogether.
The problem therefore is to know what will happen to the very many accessories that depend on a Lightning connector. I don’t see, on the other hand, Apple drawing a line under all these devices and sending them to the landfill.