Skip to main content

Is it time for Apple to remove physical ports from the iPhone altogether? [Poll]

Earlier today, Bloomberg published an extensive piece diving into why it has taken so long for Apple to release its highly-anticipated AirPower charger. Hidden in that piece was an interesting tidbit about the iPhone X’s development process, which indicated Apple considered removing the wired charging system altogether.

Do you think it’s time for Apple to drop physical ports from the iPhone?

Apple’s chief designer Jony Ive has long said his eventual goal for the iPhone is for it to be a single piece of glass, but there are obvious technological hurdles that come with such a design.

Bloomberg’s report explained, however, that Apple considered making the jump to a port-less iPhone with the iPhone X, but that it just wasn’t feasible at the time. Citing people familiar with Apple’s work, the report explained:

During the development of the iPhone X, Apple weighed removing the wired charging system entirely. That wasn’t feasible at the time because wireless charging was still slower than traditional methods. Including a wireless charger with new iPhones would also significantly raise the price of the phones.

Most recently, a separate report from Digitimes indicated that Apple does intend to drop Lightning connectivity with next year’s iPhones, but that it’ll be replaced with USB-C.

With wireless charging becoming more and more prevalent, there’s certainly a case to be made for Apple to remove physical ports from the iPhone. Personally, however, I think it’s a bit too soon. First and foremost, I think battery life needs to see a major improvement before Apple drops physical wired charging altogether. Being able to go for upwards of two days on a single charge would certainly make the idea of not having a USB charging less intimidating.

Furthermore, while it is expanding, we’re still waiting for wireless charging to garner more mainstream adoption. There are outlets everywhere that make USB charging easy, but wireless charging on the go still isn’t very practical.

What do you think? Is it time for Apple to remove the Lightning connector from the iPhone? If not, how long do you think it should wait? Let us know in the poll below and discuss down in the comments!


Subscribe to 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

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 Chance Miller Chance Miller

Chance is the editor-in-chief of 9to5Mac, overseeing the entire site’s operations. He also hosts the 9to5Mac Daily and 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcasts.

You can send tips, questions, and typos to chance@9to5mac.com.

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