Apple Keeps Lightning on the 12s, Drops Ports in the 13s
Rumor mills were churning out in 2020 that Apple was flirting with USB‑C for its newest iPhone, but the signal they got from insiders turns out to be a polite “no thanks” – the Lightning jack stays on the 12 and 13 (as of now).
What the Insider Tweet Actually Says
@choco_bit’s short tweet left no room for confusion: iPhone 12 prototypes with USB‑C won’t hit the shelves – Lightning is sticking around for at least another year.
Bloomberg’s Whispered Checks for USB‑C
Last year, Bloomberg poked Apple’s prototype lineup and saw a handful of models sporting the newer connector. Even a quick look at those dream‑tanks spurred the very real speculation that the company might drop Lightning in the future.
Why the Switch Matters
- USB‑C is universally recognized, fewer cables, easier tech ecosystems.
- Lightning’s one‑block version of the cord has been a sticking point for years.
Next Year? The iPhone 13 is All About the Air
The story shifts for the 2021 cohort – the iPhone 13 the upcoming line. According to @choco_bit, Apple plans to shun hardware ports entirely and instead equip the device with a Smart Connector for accessories. That means no USB‑C, no Lightning—just wireless charging.
From Wired to Air‑Powered
Analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo, back in December 2019, predicted that Apple’s flagship 2021 model would be “completely wireless.” The rumor now looks more fitting than ever: the 13 might be the first flagship phone to live entirely on air, with the Smart Connector able to connect to external batteries or power banks when needed.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Apple is staying loyal to Lightning for the iPhone 12, but the 13 is poised to strike a new trend: wireless‑only, smart‑connector‑supporting, and slimly portable.\n
While the company’s design juice flows down the Retina display, the next generation may rewrite the usual notion of a phone’s power plug—whether that makes it a trendsetter or a tech‑hopeless one is yet to be written in the palm of every user.
