KGI: Apple's Keeping Lightning Port On 'iPhone 8,' Other New Models
The upcoming “iPhone 8” won’t see a USB-C replacing Apple’s Lightning port, according to KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo. This news contradicts a report earlier in the week from The Wall Street Journal.
As noted by 9to5Mac, the respected analyst says all three new 2017 iPhones will retain the proprietary Lightning port. This includes the newly designed iPhone 8, as well as the long-rumored “iPhone 7s” and “iPhone 7s Plus.”
Instead of having USB-C on the new handsets, Apple will instead add fast charging capabilities with internal component changes.
Apparently, Apple will change the underlying power management technologies with the new iPhone to add ‘fast charging’ features. This brings some of the power benefits of a USB-C port, ‘Type C Power Delivery’, without changing the physical connector.
On Feb. 28, The Wall Street Journal said the iPhone 8 would be the first to feature a USB-C port. At the time, I noted the biggest difference between USB-C and Lightning is the former’s ability to charge a device in minutes, not hours. USB-C is also standardized, meaning it’s not just found on Apple devices like Lightning.
For more on this year’s iPhone lineup, be sure to look at our updated roundup guide. We also have one for the 2017 iPad lineup too.
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