Apple is finally moving away from its proprietary Lightning port for its Macaccessories, at least for the newly released iMac. The company announced the new iMac with M4 chip this morning, which comes with updated Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, andMagic Trackpad that now feature USB-C.
Since 2015, all three products have relied on the proprietary Lightning port. However, the newmodels haven’t yet appeared on Apple’s online store, and we don’t know if the port location on the new Magic Mouse has changed.
The shift to USB-C is long overdue. By 2018, allMac desktops and laptops had transitioned to USB-C as their primary connection port. The same year, iPads began adopting USB-C, followed by iPhones in 2023. This move to USB-C for accessories will allow many Apple device users to finally ditch their USB-C to Lightning cables, as theentire product line now uses USB-C.
The move comes after pressure from EU regulators who pushed Apple to completely replace the Lightning port. The company finally updated the port on the iPhone 15 last year. Since then, Apple has been slowly replacing ports on its other devices. Last month, the company also upgradedits AirPods Max headphones to USB-C.
Apple has had numerous opportunities over the past few years to update its computer peripherals, at least in terms of their charging methods. However, after releasing the M1 Mac Mini in 2020, the redesigned M1 iMac in 2021, the Mac Studio in2022, and the spec-bumped versions in 2023, Apple seemed determined to phase out Lightning.
If Apple no longer offers these accessories with Lightning ports, the iPhone SE will become the last major Apple device with a Lightning port. Even the SE might change soon.
A Long Time Coming: The Benefits of USB-C
This move towards USB-C is a welcome change for many reasons.
- Universal Compatibility: USB-C is now the standard charging port for most electronic devices, making it much easier for users to charge their Apple accessories with the same cable they use for theirphones, laptops, and other devices.
- Faster Charging: USB-C supports faster charging speeds than Lightning, which means users can charge their accessories more quickly.
- Data Transfer: USB-C also supports faster data transfer speeds, making it easier to transfer files between devices.
The Futureof Apple Accessories
This move to USB-C is a clear indication that Apple is finally embracing the industry standard. It is likely that we will see more Apple accessories adopt USB-C in the future, including the Apple Pencil and other peripherals.
Implications for the Future of Lightning
While the move toUSB-C is a positive step for Apple users, it also raises questions about the future of Lightning. The port is still used on the iPhone SE and some other Apple accessories, but it is unclear how long Apple will continue to support it.
With the EU’s push for a universal charging port and the increasing popularityof USB-C, it seems likely that Lightning will eventually be phased out completely. This would be a major shift for Apple, but it would also be a positive development for consumers who would no longer need to carry around multiple charging cables.
The Bottom Line
Apple’s decision to move away from Lightning forits Mac accessories is a long-awaited change that will benefit users in many ways. The move to USB-C will make it easier for users to charge their accessories, transfer data, and enjoy faster charging speeds. It also signals a shift towards industry standards, which is a positive development for the tech industry as a whole.
References:
- Apple Announces New iMac with M4 Chip and USB-C Accessories
- EU Pushes for Universal Charging Port, Apple Finally Adopts USB-C on iPhone 15
- Apple Upgrades AirPods Max to USB-C
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