Apple to Bid Farewell to Lightning Ports in Upcoming Event
The end is near for Lightning ports on Apple devices. With Apple’s highly-anticipated Scary Fast event just around the corner, rumors suggest that the tech giant will unveil updated versions of its key Mac peripherals, marking the final blow to the decade-old interface.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who gave an extensive preview of the event, Apple is expected to introduce M3 chips, potentially unveil multiple Apple silicon models, a 24-inch iMac (and possibly a 27-inch version), M3 MacBooks (potentially including the Pro variant), and maybe even a couple of M3 iPad Pros.
However, buried within Gurman’s report is a significant revelation: “As part of a broader shift to USB-C connectors, the company will likely roll out updated versions of accessories – including its trackpad, mouse, and keyboard – that ditch the old Lightning ports.” This transition is more consequential than it appears.
The shift from Lightning to USB-C has been gradual, but the pace has accelerated in recent years. Many attribute this shift to the European Union’s stringent requirements for compatibility with non-proprietary ports and charging formats. Although Apple initially resisted these changes, it started prioritizing plans to move away from its ubiquitous Lightning port and cable system within the Apple ecosystem. This transition hasn’t been as challenging for Apple, considering its prior experience migrating from the 30-pin to Lightning connectors in 2012 with the iPods and iPhones.
The Macs phased out USB-3 ports in favor of USB-C several years ago, which was later followed by iPads relinquishing USB-3 and adopting USB-C connections. Just a month ago, Apple introduced USB-C on all iPhone 15 models.
In its effort to eliminate Lightning plugs across its product line, Apple even removed them from the Apple Pencil, introducing a new model with its own USB-C port.
In terms of remaining Lightning port outliers, Apple’s three elegant Mac peripherals stand out. These peripherals exemplify the Apple aesthetic, boasting glass and aluminum materials, sleek lines, and the peculiar design choice of placing the Magic Mouse’s lightning charge port at the bottom instead of the back. Nonetheless, Apple did make the sensible decision of placing the ports on the back of the keyboard and trackpad.
Should Apple bid farewell to the remaining Lightning ports, it is unlikely to drastically alter the design of the thin and light keyboard or the glass-surfaced Trackpad 2. However, the Magic Mouse presents an opportunity for Apple to reconsider its design. Adding a USB-C port to the back of the touch-surface mouse seems feasible given Apple’s willingness to incorporate ports in unconventional places, as evident in the new Apple Pencil (USB-C).
Back in May 2022, I expressed the sentiment that it was time for Apple’s Lightning port to retire, a sentiment that is shared by many. While some, like Creative Strategies Chairman Tim Bajarin, believe that Apple will transition to USB-C gradually based on strategic objectives rather than feeling external pressure, others anticipate that Apple might make the switch all at once.
Ultimately, this transition follows the natural progression of technology. We constantly innovate and introduce new ways of connecting devices, accompanied by software and hardware updates, new cables, and eventually, new ports and plugs. This narrative has unfolded countless times before with ports like SCSI, parallel, and micro-USB, and will eventually be recounted by USB-C as well. In our rapidly evolving digital world, nothing remains static indefinitely.
For those considering purchasing Mac accessories, it might be wise to wait for the latest offerings or take advantage of steep Black Friday deals on remaining stock of the old Lightning port versions.
