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New iPhones to stick with Lightning over USB-C, claims report

New iPhones to stick with Lightning over USB-C, claims report

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You’ll also still get the same 5W USB-A charger in the box

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Product Red iPhone 8
Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

Apple’s 2019 iPhone models will be equipped with a Lightning connector rather than a USB-C port, according to a report from Mac Otakara (via 9to5Mac). Previous reports had claimed that Apple was testing “some versions” of this year’s phone with a USB-C connector. Last year, Macotakara, which has connections to both the Asian supply chain and Asian accessory manufacturers, successfully predicted that the 2018 iPad Pro would drop Lightning in favor of USB-C.

Macotakara’s report also claims that this year’s phones will once again include Apple’s standard 5W USB-A charger in the box with each phone. If true, it means that once again you’ll need to buy a separate USB-C to Lightning cable and a power brick that supports USB-C Power Delivery if you want to be able to fast charge your $1,000 iPhone.

Apple has offered fast charging in its phones since 2017’s iPhone 8, but has never included the hardware needed for it in the box

Apple’s decision to stick with Lightning over USB-C wouldn’t be surprising. Yes, the iPad Pro made the switch, but now that Apple is positioning it as a laptop replacement it needs to be made compatible with a variety of hubs and accessories that are meant for USB-C laptops. Meanwhile, the iPhone has no such ambitions, meaning it’s adequately served by its existing ecosystem of Lightning connector accessories.

However, the decision to stick with the 5W USB-A power brick is more frustrating. Apple has offered fast charging in its phones since 2017’s iPhone 8, but has never included the hardware needed for it in the box, even as its devices have crept beyond the $1,000 mark. That decision made sense when USB-A still reigned supreme, but in an era where every MacBook model has now made the jump to USB-C, it’s a practice that’s increasingly outdated.