The European Parliament has voted in favor of a new regulation that requires all new phones and small electronic devices that use a cable to charge to be equipped with a USB-C port.
Now Apple has big decisions to make.
Although the new legislation technically only applies to products sold in Europe, it is likely to affect the range of products Apple sells worldwide very soon.
Although Apple has already integrated USB-C into the Mac and most of its iPads, some products still use the brand’s Lightning port introduced with the iPhone 5 in 2012, notably the iPhone 14.
We list 10 devices that will have to change their Lightning port to USB-C:
iPhone
- Last updated: September 2022 (iPhone 14)
The iPhone 14 will probably be the last model to use a Lightning port. The next iPhone will arrive before the deadline (2024) imposed by the European Union, but rumors suggest that Apple will switch to USB-C with the iPhone 15.
This will bring it in line with the MacBook and iPad, plus with USB-C you’ll have access to the fastest data transfers, a welcome development now that the iPhone 14 Pro can take 48MP ProRAW photos.
iPad
Rumors suggest that Apple won’t even wait until 2023 to update its latest iPad with a USB-C port. The base model update could arrive in October, featuring a new design with thinner bezels and a bigger screen.
AirPods/AirPods Pro Charging Case
Although the AirPods and AirPods Pro became compatible with MagSafe charging last year, they still use a Lightning port to charge with a cable although they have room for a USB-C port at the bottom of the case.
In 2022, Apple released two new AirPods models, so they are unlikely to receive another update until 2025. However, it is very likely that Apple will release a new USB-C case for existing models. with the iPhone 15. .
AirPods Max
When Apple introduced the AirPods Max in December 2020, they didn’t come with a charging case. Instead, Apple has included a Lightning cable on the side for charging (or for wired music listening with an optional Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable).
If Apple updates the AirPods Max in 2023 with an H2 chip for adaptive transparency or introduces new colors, that Lightning port will almost certainly become USB-C.
Magic keyboard, magic touchpad, magic mouse
- Last update: March 2022 (New colors)
Apple hasn’t changed the design of these Mac accessories for nearly a decade, but it does introduce new colors on a regular basis.
In 2021, all three peripherals (Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse) gained new colors to match the new 24-inch iMac, while the Magic Keyboard also received a Touch ID sensor.
Earlier this year, Apple started offering black versions of the accessories alongside the Mac Studio and Studio Display.
While we wouldn’t expect Apple to surprise us with a Magic Mouse that charges properly (meaning you don’t have to flip it over to plug in the charger), if Apple updates the iMac with an M3 processor next year, as rumor has it, you’ll also need to upgrade accessories with USB-C ports.
Listeners
- Last Updated: September 2016 (1st Generation)
Apple started including Lightning connector EarPods on iPhones when it ditched the headphone jack with the iPhone 7. Today, you’ll have to buy them separately for $19 / MXN$549 if you want a pair, but we assume they will come out of production when Apple transitions the iPhone to USB-C.
Powerbeat Pro
- Last update: June 2022 (New colors)
While most of Apple’s Beats products use USB-C or micro-USB for charging, there are a few (the PowerBeats Pro) that still use a Lightning to USB-C cable for charging. The next time Apple releases new colors or updates them, that will change.
Original article published on igamesnews.com.
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