Apple’s iPhone 12 is already alive and kicking, and according to CEO Tim Cook, this new generation is really selling like hotcakes, finally generating the super-cycle that so many analysts have been anticipating for years.
But at the same time, the Cupertino-based tech giant is also working on the upcoming iPhone series due in the fall of this year and which this time could introduce some pretty big changes.
One of them is the removal of the Lightning connector, and while at first glance this may give hope the iPhone is finally making the switch to USB Type-C, well, it isn’t.
People with knowledge of the matter suggested at least one version of the upcoming iPhone 13 family would come without any form of wired connectivity option, which means Apple is building a smartphone with zero ports.
In other words, the firm is going all-in on wireless, and the upcoming iPhone 13 would be just the first step towards a full demise of the Lightning port at some point in the coming years.
What does this mean for us drivers? It’s very simple. If your car comes with wired CarPlay, you just can’t use this iPhone to connect to the head unit and power the app. This new model would only work with stereos supporting wireless CarPlay, no matter if they’re factory-installed or aftermarket upgrades.
While no data is available in this regard, it’s believed wired CarPlay head units hold the lion’s share right now in the automotive market, so by going fully wireless, Apple would leave behind quite a lot of cars.
This rendering designed by Concept Creator and LetsGoDigital provides us with an early look at this new iPhone, envisioning how the transition to a world without Lightning would begin. The new models could look pretty much like the current iPhones, if this rendering is accurate, only that no Lightning port would be there.
Apple too knows this is quite a massive change, and this is why the company is likely to go for a gradual rollout of iPhones without the Lightning port. But sooner or later, there’s a chance Cupertino would once again show some “courage” and give up on physical ports once and for all. At that point, it’d be just a matter of time until the whole industry follows in its footsteps.
Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News