According to Gurman, Apple is already testing iPhone prototypes with USB-C.

A few days ago, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Mansana will release its first iPhone with USB-C in 2023. Thus, a rather recurring rumor of the past three or four years has been revived, although the novelty at present is that those from Cupertino They will already be testing mobile prototypes with the specified port instead of Lightning..

so he mentioned it Mark Gurmannfrom bloombergwho also indicated that the company is working on a new adapter for currently existing devices and accessories with Apple’s proprietary connector.

Like Kuo, Gurman says Apple’s intention is to keep the Lightning port on the iPhone 14 coming out this year and move to USB-C by 2023 at the earliest. Among the reasons why the company adopted this technical change, the well-known journalist mentions two: compliance with the European regulation, which requires the use of one charger for several devices, and start unifying criteria with iPad and Mac.

One of the issues Apple is facing with this change has to do with many of the brand’s accessories that still use the Lightning connector. This is the case with AirPods, MagSafe battery, and dual MagSafe charger, among other things. This is where the new adapter will hit the stage that the Californians will be working on.

Third-party iPhone accessories, Apple’s big concern

But changing the iPhone port from Lightning to USB-C will cause more concern for Apple: loss of control over third-party accessories. Today there are many products for Apple Mobile developed by other companies, but under the strict control of a company led by Tim Cook.

While the new adapter will help mitigate the impact on these devices, Apple will no longer be able to control all products developed outside of Cupertino. And I would even have to make amends for the idea that the iPhone can work with cables, chargers and other accessories that they were not specially designed for him but it uses USB-C technology, which is gradually becoming the standard of the mobile industry.

And it can also lead to an economic effect. Don’t forget that other brands they pay with an apple use the Lightning connector on accessories and this may decrease over time. If it does, however, it won’t be overnight.

The Apple firm has assembled a very diverse catalog of accessories around its proprietary connector and has been able to use it very well. And while the iPhone 15 comes with a USB-C port, its Lightning predecessors will be in production for a few more years and will coexist in the market.

As we said at the beginning, iPhones with USB-C have been rumored for years; however, the chances of it happening this time seem to be higher than previous times. Now, Kuo and Gurman are set for next year.