The tech community is abuzz with rumors of Apple ditching the lightning port for their 2021 phones to introduce a completely wireless experience to their users. But before you go into a panic and sell your MacBook online, worried about possible compatibility and connectivity issues with this new, wireless iPhone, remember that this is only a rumor—Apple has yet to confirm whether they’re moving into a completely wireless direction or not.
The Rumor Mill
Many iPhone users have speculated connectivity changes, most of them thinking that Apple may opt for USB-C, given its use in Apple’s iPad and MacBooks. But Ming-Chi Kuo, noted Apple analyst known for his mostly accurate Apple predictions, predicts that Apple may go totally wireless for the iPhone. Functions such as charging, syncing, and pretty much everything else can be done without the need for physical cables.
But if Kuo is right with his prediction, this change will only be applicable to the highest-end iPhone in 2021 instead of the whole iPhone lineup. Also, if this comes into fruition, this would mean that tech companies will have to make changes to their product lineup to accommodate port-free iPhones.
The Pros and Cons of Wireless Connectivity
While this might be a great prospect, it still has its own set of pros and cons. Let’s look at some of them:
Cons
• You might find it difficult to look for charging pads on the go. You can’t just plug away into an outlet, and power-at-a-distance chargers, given that it’s still very new tech, might not yet work for a phone.
• Contactless charging (Qi-based) is slower compared to wired charging.
Pros
• Removal of ports will completely seal up iPhones, which may make them more durable. Going port-free may increase the iPhone’s water resistance and more space could be saved, space that can be used for other components such as more battery.
• Going port-free will eliminate the need for dongles and other connectors, as well as adapters.
Other iPhone Rumors
Aside from future iPhones going wireless, Kuo also predicts that Apple will release five new models in 2020. We might get to see an LCD iPhone, the so-called iPhone SE 2, which might be released during the first half of 2020, and four OLED models, which will reportedly feature 5G connectivity, to be released during the latter part of the year. According to Kuo, aside from the size difference, these OLED phones will have differences in camera technology.
While these changes may be favorable for some, again, these are all just predictions. We’ll have to wait and see what surprises Apple has up their sleeve for next year. But it is undeniable that we live in exciting times, what with all the updates and innovations on tech.
What do you think about these latest iPhone rumors? Are you for or against the removal of the Lightning Port? What other pros and cons might this move have?
