Every iPhone that Apple launches in 2017 will feature Lightning connectors with USB-C Power Delivery technology for faster charging, according to a new note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In other words, while the three iPhone models rumored to launch this year will all retain Lightning ports, the other end of the cable will be a USB Type-C connector, which should improve charging speeds.
Here’s the full quote from the KGI Securities note, courtesy of MacRumors:
“New 2H17 models may all support fast charging. We believe all three new iPhones launching in 2H17 will support fast charging by the adoption of Type-C Power Delivery technology (while still retaining the Lightning port). A key technical challenge lies with ensuring product safety and stable data transmission during a fast charge. In order to achieve that goal, we think Apple (US) will adopt TI’s (US) power management and Cypress’s (US) Power Delivery chip solutions for the new iPhone models. We note the OLED version may have a faster charging speed thanks to a 2-cell L shaped battery pack design.”
This report obviously discredits the recent rumors that Apple will abandon Lightning altogether.
Speedier charging will obviously be a welcome change for all iPhone users, but the move to USB-C comes at a cost. A vast majority of computers (save for the new MacBook Pro) still use standard USB Type-A port, which means you probably won’t be able to plug your new OLED iPhone into your laptop.
For many, this won’t be a huge issue (and can be solved for the price of an adapter), but for those of you who still transfer music or prefer to charge with your computer, you’re going to have to change your habits.
