If there may be one factor that I hope 2024 brings, I hope that it’s the closing push to finish the Lightning port on Apple units, as soon as and for all.
Whereas it was nice for many that Apple delayed its USB-C future for some time, we’ve handed that time and are actually in a future the place virtually each new know-how product, together with Apple’s merchandise, is utilizing the brand new charging normal. There’s no extra room for Lightning on the earth, so it’s time for Apple to complete its rollout of USB-C and lay Lightning to relaxation.
We’re virtually a decade into this transition
We’ve been on this highway for some time now. The primary Apple product to function a USB-C port was the now-discontinued 12-inch MacBook that the corporate launched again in 2015, so we’re virtually a decade into this USB-C journey. I owned that 12-inch MacBook and may say that the also-now deceased Butterfly keyboard was nice — I do know I’m within the minority after I say that.
So, the place will we stand eight years later? Nicely, we lastly have USB-C on the iPhone with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Professional. The iPad lineup has largely made the swap to USB-C with the brand new Tenth-generation iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Professional. In fact, the Mac has additionally made the swap to USB-C (not that it had Lightning earlier than) with Apple’s new M-Collection fashions. Even the Siri Distant for the Apple TV has switched to USB-C.
Okay, that looks as if all the things, proper? If the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV have all made the swap to USB-C, aren’t we good right here? Improper, individuals. The satan is within the equipment with this one.
What’s left within the Lightning lineup?
So, what Apple merchandise are left that haven’t made the bounce to USB-C? The obvious one is the iPhone SE. Apple’s most inexpensive cellphone remains to be rocking that Lightning port in 2023, regardless of getting an replace earlier this 12 months. In fact, that’s not too stunning, contemplating that the corporate was certain to carry the brand new connector to its flagship telephones earlier than its “low-cost” one. Hopefully, USB-C will come to the iPhone SE after we get our subsequent replace to the system — one thing that’s anticipated to occur in 2024.
One other huge one to notice is the iPad. Whereas Apple has a brand new base mannequin iPad with its Tenth technology, it has nonetheless stored the ninth technology iPad within the lineup with that pesky Lightning port. The corporate has additionally stored — effectively, actually needed to preserve — that bizarre Apple Pencil with a Lightning port that plugs into the aspect of the iPad and appears like a spear popping out of the factor. Hopefully, each of these units can be put out to pasture quickly.
The final predominant Apple product that’s nonetheless rocking Lightning are the AirPods Max, Apple’s most premium and costly headphones. It does really feel just a little insane that the remainder of the AirPods lineup like AirPods and AirPods Professional acquired the replace to USB-C earlier than the AirPods Max did, however this one falls into the identical state of affairs because the iPhone SE — Apple simply hasn’t launched a brand new technology of its premium over-the-ear headphones but. USB-C is certain to come back to the 2nd-generation AirPods Max after they launch — one thing that’s anticipated to occur subsequent 12 months.
The remainder of the Lightning leftovers are strewn throughout the corporate’s different equipment like keyboards, mice, and chargers. You continue to can’t purchase a USB-C model of the Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, MagSafe Battery Pack, and MagSafe Duo Charger. The corporate even stopped promoting the MagSafe Battery Pack and MagSafe Duo Charger with out releasing a USB-C alternative.
Right here’s hoping 2024 is the top of Lightning
Hopefully, Apple makes use of 2024 to lastly end its transition to USB-C. Heck, the corporate accomplished the transition from Intel to its personal M-Collection processors sooner than it has been capable of transition from Lightning to USB-C!
Personally, I’m ready on the USB-C model of the AirPods Max. That’s the one product that’s holding me from forsaking Lightning for good. Hopefully, any of us who’re ready to step into that USB-C future can accomplish that subsequent 12 months. Come on, Apple! We’re so shut.
