A new research note from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo obtained by MacRumors sheds some new light on a report earlier this week that Apple could be replacing Lightning connectors with USB-C on this year’s iPhone models. According to Kuo, all three iPhones that are expected to launch this year will continue to use Lightning connectors, but will support USB-C power specifications to provide faster charging, likely similar to the specifications supported by the 12.9” iPad Pro.
Kuo notes that the biggest technical challenge Apple is facing “lies with ensuring product safety and stable data transmission during a fast charge” and Kuo suggests that Apple will adopt new TI and Cypress power management chips, and that the rumoured OLED version may support even faster charging thanks to a newer battery pack design. The note doesn’t appear to provide any information on what type of power adapters or cables will be included with the upcoming iPhone models.
Although current iPhone models can charge from a USB-C connection — including Apple’s 29W USB-C power adapter — they will still only charge at the same 5V/2.4A rate that Apple’s 12W USB Power Adapter provides, and further Apple has continued to only include a 1A charger with the iPhone, requiring users who desire faster charging to purchase the 12W adapter separately or supply their own higher-current USB power source.
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