Skip to main content

Up to three-quarters of readers think Apple should switch to USB-C in the next iPad

Up to three-quarters of 9to5Mac readers think Apple should switch from Lightning to USB-C in the next iPad. Some 39% think the company should do it regardless, while a further 35% say Apple should make the switch if it does it for iPhones also.

However, a quarter of readers think Apple should stick with Lightning, at least for now, citing the slightly larger size and a less robust port as drawbacks of USB-C.

We previously discussed whether Apple would switch from Lightning to USB-C in future iPhones, with the majority of readers expecting this to happen this year or next …

Almost a third of you expected Apple to switch to USB-C in this year’s iPhone, with slightly more expecting the move next year. Only 19% thought it wouldn’t happen at all.

We argued that standardising on a single port across devices would make a great deal of sense, and that Apple might in future want to take advantage of the more flexible capabilities of USB-C – alongside the faster data transfer performance. With Apple touting the iPad as a PC replacement, the arguments for a more capable port in the iPad would be even stronger.

We’re currently expecting Apple to add a new size to this year’s iPad line-up, bringing in a new 10.5-inch(ish) model to replace the 9.7-inch iPad Pro while an entry-level model fills the 9.7-inch slot. There have, however, been a couple of somewhat questionable reports that this year’s iPad launch may be pushed back into the second half of the year.

Apple has demonstrated a willingness to risk unpopularity in order to move quickly on port changes, dropping the headphone socket from the iPhone 7 and adopting all-USB-C ports on the new MacBook Pro.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications