According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will abandon the use of Lightning in its iPhone smartphones in favor of USB Type-C, starting in the second half of 2023. That is, in all probability, the iPhone 14 line will get a more versatile connector.

“USB-C could improve iPhone’s transfer and charging speed in hardware designs, but the final spec details still depend on iOS support,” writes an analyst.

Also, according to Kuo, Apple’s transition to USB Type-C will increase demand for suppliers of relevant components for the connector, due to large orders from both Apple and accessory manufacturers.

“It’s expected to see existing USB-C-related suppliers of Apple’s ecosystem (e.g., IC controller, connector) become the market’s focus in the next 1-2 years, thanks to vast orders from iPhones and accessories’ adoption of USB-C ports,” explains Ming-Chi Kuo.

This year, the Lightning connector and port will celebrate 10th anniversary. They were first introduced in the iPhone 5 smartphone, released in September 2012. Despite its respectable age, the connector has not lost its relevance, allowing you to relatively quickly charge iPhone, transfer data, connect accessories, and headphones. However, the latest EU plans of introducing USB Type-C as the only standard for charging would still force Apple to replace Lightning to some extent.

In addition, given that USB Type-C has long been used in Apple laptops and tablets, its implementation in the iPhone will improve the user experience, as they will be able to charge smartphones with MacBook chargers, as can now be done with almost any Android smartphone.