Why doesn't Apple use the USB-C instead of the Lightning port on the IPhone?

USB-C is finally becoming a widespread standard, with the various manufacturers that have integrated the new port both on computers and on smartphones. Apple has even proposed new MacBooks with the only USB-C port, arousing not a few controversies. But on the IPhone, the company decided to do the opposite and still bet on the proprietary Lightning door. How come?

The first answer is the simplest. In 2012 there was no USB-C and Apple introduced the Lightning port on IPhone 5. The specifications of this proprietary port were then perfected and updated in 2014. Of course, those issues were already talking about a new USB port with advanced features, so Apple could have waited a few years continuing with the old 30-pin connector. But that door was already outdated in 2012, let alone after a few years.

The second point is that Apple has always used proprietary ports on its mobile devices. Even on the first iPhone could be used a micro-USB port, but Apple decided instead to confirm the introduction of the 30-pin connector, which made its debut on the IPod in the far 2002. Just the great success of the IPod convinced Apple to confirm that connector on the iPhone too.

In 2012, even the 30-pin connector was no longer able to meet Apple's needs for new iphones. The streets were two: either create a new proprietary port, or rely on USB technology. But in those days, the USB was a disaster. There were standard USB-A, mini USB and Micro USB. The last two offered advantages in terms of occupied space, but at the level of functions were not satisfactory. Apple wanted something modern, which could last for the next 10 years, and here he introduced the Lightning gate. A symmetrical connector, easy to connect, totally digital, fast and with the ability to evolve according to the needs of new Apple devices.

And now that the USB-C is ready and mature as technology, what will Apple do? Probably nothing. The USB-C port is physically bigger than that Lightning, not very certain, but we know that Apple tries to maximize every millimeter to decrease the weight and size of its iphones. Not by chance, on the latest models was even removed the 3.5 mm audio jack, just so as not to waste space.

In addition, USB-C is an open and compatible standard, but less flexible. With the Lightning door, Apple can do what he wants, when he wants, without having to wait for others. This means that if some new technology is born next year, Apple can immediately integrate it and manage it with the Lightning port without having to wait for the standardization organ that manages the USB standards.

Furthermore, the introduction of the USB-C port would require a change for users, including accessories, cables, batteries and so on. Many have criticized the 30-pin farewell after 10 years, let alone what would happen with the replacement of the Lightning gate just 5 years after its onset. With this connection, Apple also has the utmost control over official accessories and certification.

On the MAC, however, the speech is different because the Lightning port has never been used, and because it is a product that clearly needs to have a standard USB connection.

USB type C VS LIGHTNING: What is the best connector?

The trend of the moment is the one that sees smartphones reduce their connectors. The mini headphone jack is in danger of extinction and two new players are challenged to duel: Lightning vs. USB type C. In our editorial staff Hans-Georg Kluge and Luis Ortega have two different opinions about it and in this article show us the advantages of both connectors.

Luis Ortega: 5 Advantages offered by USB type C

Supports high power charging

The C-type USB 3.1 is a change of direction with regard to the connection between devices. And what a change! It offers more charging power than other standards. Type C can support up to 100 watts. To get a clearer idea, it supports the full charge of a smartphone in a matter of minutes in addition to the ability to power a computer or other electronic devices.

At the moment smartphones offer a 5 V and 1 or 2 ampere charger, which results in about 5w and 10w. With the fast charge you can reach the 18w, but this is still very far from what the USB type C can achieve.

Transmits data faster

The new type C USB 3.1 comes with a 24-pin connector. The type A and B offer only 4 pins while the Lightning of Apple offers 8. The maximum data transmission speed that the C-type USB can reach is 10Gbit/s which corresponds to the transfer of eight movies in Full HD per second.

is a standard

The C-type USB has already been integrated into most new high-end smartphones and in the coming years will be the only USB port not only for mobile phones but for all electronic devices such as computers, USB memory and other types of accessories.

There are also strong initiatives in transferring audio and video files through the C-type USB. It is an example of the Z-bike that has abandoned the traditional headphone jack to leave room for the C-type USB port. It is also clear how the next HDMI port will also be type C.

Everyone can produce it

The C type USB is a standard that all manufacturers brands can adopt and realize. and They'il do it soon. This means that the price of this type of technology will drop significantly as soon as different brands begin to realize it.

Is the future

The C-type USB is the future of connections between electronic devices. The next computer or smartphone that you mount probably a USB type C. Up to now computers integrate USB 2.0 connectors, USB 3.0 (blue), HDMI, VGA, DC-IN. In the future, however, they will all be replaced by the USB type C.

Hans-Georg Kluge: 5 advantages offered by Lightning

Lightning is the standard that Apple uses as a connector for IPhone and IPad from 2012. Hardly the brand will abandon it and, at the base of my opinion, there are some valid reasons.

was revolutionary

Before switching to Lightning, Apple used a 30-pin connector that was probably too cumbersome for small devices such as iphones. The brand in 2012 has decided to step forward in the world of technology by adopting the Lightning, a connector that can be used by both verses. The C-type USB, arrived in 2014, reached consumers only in 2015.

It has a smaller and stronger connector

The C-type USB is more cumbersome and complex than the Lightning connector. The latter is flat, easily adaptable to the connector and easier to insert than the type C USB. It offers another advantage: with the Type C USB, a mechanical voltage is produced in the device, especially when the tensile Forces Act on the cable; The Lightning connector is more rugged, its weak point is just the cable that can still be replaced more easily than a smartphone.

USB-C, an Apple invention?

In August of 2014, the USB-IF (USB implementers Forum), the organization in charge of the standard, formed by companies like Intel, Microsoft and Apple among others, published the specification of a new USB connector known as "USB type C". It was completely reversible and based on the USB 3.1 specification, it could also offer speeds up to 10Gbps.

This week, Apple presented its new MacBook, the first to replace all its old connectors with a single USB-C port: Power, peripherals, screens ... all assembled in a small port (adapters through, at least until the industry floods the Market with all kinds of accessories).

Now, John Gruber of Daring Fireball, one of the people outside Apple with more connections within the company, ensures that it was precisely Apple who developed the USB-C specification and gave it to the group to launch it as a common initiative that is Convert to standard.

I've heard, I can't tell from whom, but call "informed birds," that the USB-C is an invention of Apple and that they were delivered to the standardisation agencies. The politics of these things is that they can't really say it. They're not going to come out openly and say it, but they did. It's an invention of Apple that they want to become standard.

The company still mentions as who does not want the thing part of their involvement in the standard on the description page of the MacBook ...

Creating a laptop as thin and light as the new MacBook forced us to look for maximum efficiency in every detail, including the way you connect peripherals or plug it into the current. That is why we have collaborated in the development of a new universal standard that combines all the basic functions that you need in a single port. With the new USB-C port you can charge your laptop, transfer data via USB 3 to any tablet via peripherals and connect HDMI, VGA and Mini DisplayPort devices. It is also reversible and occupies a third part compared to the current USB.

It must be noted that it is not strange at all, and that in fact it is how these groups usually work: some companies develop their proposals, present them to the other members, and if they are accepted, they are launched as a common initiative. Nor is it the first time for Apple, and there we have for example the Mini DisplayPort port, a miniaturized version created by the Apple Company for the VESA Association connector, and that was ceded and adopted without problems by rivals like Lenovo, HP , Dell, or Microsoft.

Gruber says he has no idea whether Apple plans to adopt the USB-C on other devices such as the IPhone or IPAD, or if instead limit its use to laptops and desktops. My little wager on this matter is that no, but before I follow I want you to see this picture:

Do you really think that Apple, obsessed as it is in its career with the rest of manufacturers by scratching up to the last millimeter of thickness to its devices, replace Lightning by a significantly larger connector? Maybe if one day we get to see an iPad Pro will be totally feasible as a way to extend its compatibility with all accessories aimed at computers, but in the IPads and iphones? No way.

As a final point, kudos for Google for announcing so quickly its commitment to the standard USB-C through the Chromebook Pixel, a laptop that although it is intended for a very minority audience, has given a tug of ears to Apple including a second port to the other Side of the team. Something I hope to see in future versions of this MacBook and other members of the family, not only for the need to connect more than one peripheral at the same time, but for the convenience of loading the laptop by the side that best suits us at any time.