It’s been more than 10 years since Apple unveiled its new Lightning port with the iPhone 5 in 2012. After the European Parliament voted in favor of a new rule requiring all new phones and smaller electronics that use a cable to charge, need to be equipped with a USB-C port, the countdown to Lightning’s death began. While the new rule technically only applies to new products sold in Europe, Apple isn’t about to limit the change to Europe. Here are all of Apple’s remaining Lightning products and when we might see them switch to USB-C:
iPhone
Last updated: September 2022 (iPhone 14)/March 2022 (iPhone SE)
Next expected update: September 2023 (iPhone 15)
The iPhone 14 is probably the last flagship model with a Lightning port. While the next iPhone arrives well within the EU-mandated deadline, Gurman says the switch to USB-C for the iPhone 15 is all but confirmed as the leaks and rumors roll in. Not only does it provide universal charging with your MacBook and iPad, but USB-C also opens the door to faster data transfers, which will be a welcome new feature now that the iPhone 14 Pro can shoot 48MP ProRAW photos. And according to the latest iPhone SE rumors, Apple won’t be updating the current model for a while, if at all. Granted, it’ll be a few years before Lightning is gone for good, as Apple has been selling older iPhones for several years now – the iPhone 14 will probably still be available in 2025 – but we’ll almost certainly have the last new iPhone with a Lightning port seen.
iPad
Last updated: September 2021 (9th generation)
Next expected update: None
When Apple released the 10th generation iPad in October 2022, it officially discontinued Lightning from all new iPad models. But there’s one model left that has it, the 9th Gen iPad from 2021. We don’t know how long Apple will keep it, but once it’s gone we’re pretty sure it won’t be replaced by a USB -C model.
AirPods/AirPods Pro Wireless Charging Cases
Last updated: March 2022 (3rd generation) / September 2022 (2nd generation)
Next expected update: Fall 2023
While the AirPods and AirPods Pro cases picked up MagSafe charging last year, they still use Lightning for cable charging, despite having plenty of room for a USB-C port on the bottom of the case. Apple only recently got both AirPods models, so it’s unlikely they’ll see another major refresh until 2025, but it’s entirely possible that Apple is quietly launching new USB-C cases for the existing models alongside the iPhone 15.
Foundry
AirPods Max
Last updated: December 2020 (1st generation)
Next expected update: Fall 2023 (2nd generation)
When Apple introduced the AirPods Max in December 2020, they did not yet have a charging case. Instead, Apple included a Lightning cable on the side for charging (or wired listening via the optional Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable). It’s been over two years since the first generation arrived, but a reference to a new AirPods model was found in the iOS 16.4 code, so it’s possible the AirPods Max will get a much-anticipated update in the coming months. Among the expected updates are better noise reduction, an H2 chip for Adaptive Transparency and, of course, USB-C instead of Lightning.
Magic keyboard, magic trackpad, magic mouse
Last updated: March 2022 (new colours)
Next expected update: Fall 2023
Apple hasn’t changed the design of its trio of Mac accessories in nearly a decade, but it regularly introduces new colors. In 2021, all three accessories – Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse – got new colors to match the new 24-inch iMac, while the Magic Keyboard got a Touch ID sensor. Earlier this year, Apple began offering black versions of its accessories alongside the Mac Studio and Studio Display. While we don’t expect Apple to surprise us with a Magic Mouse that charges well (meaning you don’t have to flip it over to connect the charger), we expect some USB-C if Apple updates the Mac Pro with Apple- silicon. accessories are also coming.
EarPods
Last updated: September 2016 (1st generation)
Next expected update: September 2023
Apple started bundling EarPods with a Lightning connector with iPhones when it removed the headphone jack from the iPhone 7. These days you have to buy them separately for $19 if you want a pair with a Lightning port, but Rumor has it that Apple to create an updated pair with USB-C to release alongside the iPhone 15 in September.
Apple
Powerbeats Pro
Last updated: June 2020 (new colours)
Next expected update: N/A
While most of Apple’s Beats products use USB-C or micro-USB for charging, there is one – the PowerBeats Pro – that still uses a Lightning to USB-C cable for charging. We assume that when Apple releases new colors or updates the PowerBeats Pro it will drop the Lightning port, but with new Beats Studio Buds+ on the way, it’s possible that the PowerBeats Pro will simply be discontinued.
