Well-connected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reassuring news for iPhone users that feared the Lightning port would soon go the way of the dodo.
Kuo says all three iPhone released later this year will still boast a Lightning connector, with the addition of USB-C power delivery, for faster charging.
An excerpt from his latest research note, via MacRumors:
New 2H17 models may all support fast charging. We believe all three new iPhones launching in 2H17 will support fast charging by the adoption of Type-C Power Delivery technology (while still retaining the Lightning port). A key technical challenge lies with ensuring product safety and stable data transmission during a fast charge. In order to achieve that goal, we think Apple (US) will adopt TI’s (US) power management and Cypress’s (US) Power Delivery chip solutions for the new iPhone models. We note the OLED version may have a faster charging speed thanks to a 2-cell L shaped battery pack design.
A Wall Street Journal report published earlier this week claimed the new iPhones would drop the Lightning port in favor of USB-C connectors. The report also indicated the upcoming “iPhone 8” will boast a curved OLED display and do away with the physical Home button.
As always, any reports on upcoming Apple products should be treated for what they are, strictly speculation based on supply chain indicators and rumors. We won’t know for sure what Apple has up its proverbial sleeves until an official announcement has been released.
