It’s been over 10 years since Apple unveiled its new Lightning port with the iPhone 5 in 2012 After the European Parliament voted in favor of a new rule requiring all new phones and small electronic devices that use a cable to recharge are equipped with a USB-Port C port, the countdown to the death of Lightning has begun. Although the new rule technically only applies to new products sold in Europe, Apple isn’t about to limit the change to Europe. Here are all of Apple’s remaining Lightning products and when we might see them move to USB-C:
iPhone
Last updated: September 2022 (iPhone 14)/March 2022 (iPhone SE)
Next scheduled update: September 2023 (iPhone 15)
The iPhone 14 is probably the last flagship model with a Lightning port. While the next iPhone will arrive well before the EU deadline, Gurman says the switch to USB-C for the iPhone 15 is all but confirmed as leaks and rumors multiply. Not only will it bring universal charging with your MacBook and iPad, but USB-C also opens the door to faster data transfers, which will be a welcome new feature now that the iPhone 14 Pro can take ProRAW photos. of 48 MP. And the latest iPhone SE rumors say that Apple won’t update the current model for a while, if at all. Admittedly, it will be a few years before Lightning is gone for good since Apple has been selling older iPhones for several years – the iPhone 14 will likely still be available in 2025 – but we’ve almost certainly seen the last new iPhone with a port. Lightning.
iPad
Last Updated: September 2021 (9th Generation)
Next expected update: None
When Apple released the 10th generation iPad in October 2022, it officially removed Lightning from all new iPad models. But there is still one model that has it, the 9th generation iPad from 2021. We don’t know how long Apple will keep it, but once it’s gone we’re pretty sure it won’t. will not be replaced by a USB-C model.
AirPods/AirPods Pro Wireless Charging Cases
Last Updated: March 2022 (3rd Gen)/September 2022 (2nd Gen)
Next scheduled update: Fall 2023
While the AirPods and AirPods Pro cases brought back MagSafe charging last year, they still use Lightning to charge with a cable despite having enough space for a USB-C port at the bottom of the case. Apple only recently got both AirPods models, so it’s unlikely they’ll get another major refresh before 2025, but it’s very possible that Apple will quietly launch new USB-C cases for existing models alongside iPhone 15.
Foundry
AirPods Max
Last Updated: December 2020 (1st Generation)
Next scheduled update: fall 2023 (2nd generation)
When Apple introduced the AirPods Max in December 2020, they didn’t have a charging case. Instead, Apple has included a Lightning cable on the side for charging (or wired listening via the optional Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable). It’s been over two years since the first generation arrived, but a reference to a new model of AirPods was found hidden in the iOS 16.4 code, so it’s possible the AirPods Max will receive a long overdue update in the next months. Among the expected updates are better noise cancellation, an H2 chip for adaptive transparency and, of course, USB-C instead of Lightning.
Magic keyboard, magic touchpad, magic mouse
Last update: March 2022 (new colors)
Next scheduled update: Fall 2023
Apple hasn’t changed the design of its trio of Mac accessories in nearly a decade, but it does introduce new colors on a regular basis. In 2021, all three accessories – Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse – got new colors to match the new 24-inch iMac, while the Magic Keyboard got a Touch ID sensor. Earlier this year, Apple started offering black versions of the accessories alongside the Mac Studio and Studio Display. While we didn’t expect Apple to surprise us with a Magic Mouse that charges properly (meaning you don’t have to flip it over to connect the charger), when Apple updates the Mac Pro with Apple silicon, we expect USB-C accessories will also arrive.
Listeners
Last Updated: September 2016 (1st Generation)
Next scheduled update: September 2023
Apple started bundling EarPods with a Lightning connector with iPhones when it removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7. These days, you’ll have to buy them separately for $19 if you want a pair with a Lightning port. , but make an updated pair with USB-C to release alongside the iPhone 15 in September.
Apple
Powerbeat Pro
Last update: June 2020 (new colors)
Next scheduled update: N/A
While most of Apple’s Beats products use USB-C or micro-USB for charging, there’s one, the PowerBeats Pro, that still uses a Lightning to USB-C cable for charging. We assume that whenever Apple releases new colors or updates the PowerBeats Pro it will remove the Lightning port, but with new Beats Studio Buds+ on the way, it’s possible the PowerBeats Pro will simply be discontinued.
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