WSJ: USB-C, Not Lightning, Found on Anniversary iPhone
USB-C could be the world of the year at Apple.
It looks like Apple is saying goodbye to the Lightning port, at least on the “iPhone 8.” Instead, Cupertino’s new flagship device will use an USB-C port. These and other important details highlight a new report by The Wall Street Journal.
According to “people familiar with the matter,” the iPhone 8 will be the first Apple handset to feature a flexible organic light-emitting diode or OLED screen. Previous models have all used liquid-crystal displays (LCD). Anticipating huge demand for this 10th anniversary iPhone, Apple has secured “sufficient components to enable mass production.”
As previously reported, Samsung is the only OLED supplier for this year’s iPhone. Components from LG Display Co. and Japan Display Inc. should come online in 2018.
Of the switch from Lightning to USB-C, The Wall Street Journal only notes:
They said Apple would introduce other updates including a USB-C port for the power cord and other peripheral devices instead of the company’s original Lightning connector.
Why the change? 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. In other words, it’s not just found on Apple devices.
The iPhone 8 is also expected to do away with the physical home button for the first time. Instead, the model is likely to include a new “function area.”
The iPhone 8 isn’t the only Apple handset expected to launch this year. An “iPhone 7s” and “iPhone 7s Plus” are also likely, as is a second-generation iPhone SE.
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.
