But there’s a silver lining: The upcoming iPhone 14 Pro seems to retain the Lightning connector.
A new iPhone 14 Pro rumour states that Apple will continue to use the Lightning connection in its 2022 product line, but that the new model will at least be able to transport data at a quicker rate owing to a redesigned Lightning connector.
According to ApplePro’s report for iDropNews, the Lightning connector on the iPhone 14 Pro will use USB 3.0 instead of the existing USB 2.0 standard. USB 2.0 has a maximum data transfer rate of 480 Mbps, whereas USB 3.0 has a maximum data transfer rate of 5 Gbps, which is more than 10 times faster. This would speed up the process of transferring data, images, and movies from one device to another.
The iPad Pro and other USB-C iPads employ USB 3.0 to enable consumers transfer huge files to their premium tablet, and this has been the case for some time now. Even with the introduction of the iPhone Pro in 2019, this wasn’t the case.
This additional connector is only confirmed for Apple’s upcoming Pro and Max models, according to LAP, but it’s unclear if the standard iPhone 14 and 14 Max models would get it. Based on what we’ve heard thus far, any option seems plausible.
In the case of the four reported iPhone 14 variants, it is obvious that the charging port technology will be similar. Based on our comparison of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, it seems that Apple is putting more effort into distinguishing between the two models this year.
The iPhone 14 Pros are expected to have a new A16 processor, but the regular iPhones might remain with the A15 chip from the iPhone 13. The Face ID notch might be replaced by new pill or punch-hole cutouts on the next iPhone 14 Pro series, which could include a 48MP primary camera. Even so, a USB 3.0 Lightning port upgrade would not be out of the question.
Unfortunately, it seems like Apple is planning to stick with the Lightning connector for at least another year, despite having supposedly tested multiple USB-C prototypes in the meantime. It is possible that Apple may have to give up Lightning in order to comply with EU requirements on universal charging, but the reports that Apple is working on a portless iPhone make it more plausible that it will switch to a wireless charging-only design rather than use USB-C.
On the other hand, this is only an unconfirmed rumour, and we’ve heard plenty of reports suggesting that at the very least the iPhone 14 Pro versions will have USB-C connectivity. This autumn, when Apple should be announcing its new iPhones, we’ll know for sure what’s going on.
If you want to stay up to date on the newest rumours and leaks, check out our iPhone 14 hub and iPhone 14 Pro hub!