Apple will next replace many peripheral accessories with USB-C port

With the advent of the iPhone 15 series embracing the USB-C port, Apple has concurrently launched a newly designed AirPods Pro featuring a USB-C port, as well as a corresponding USB-C to Lightning adapter accessory. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Apple is anticipated to update numerous peripheral accessories with the USB-C port design.

Unless surprises are in store, the imminent peripheral accessories expected to transition to the USB-C port are the erstwhile peripherals that utilized the Lightning port for charging and connectivity, such as the deftly crafted keyboard, touchpad, and mouse. This also includes the AirPods Pro and AirPods wireless headphones, which formerly employed the Lightning port for charging.

Furthermore, previous charging accessories designed with the Lightning port, like the Apple Watch magnetic charging dock and the MagSafe portable charger, which magnetically adheres to the iPhone via the MagSafe interface, are projected to be reintroduced with the USB-C port.

At present, Apple, in tandem with the Mac and iPad series, has already migrated to the USB-C port design, thereby transforming many peripheral accessories to the USB-C interface. Predominantly, even charging peripherals have adopted the USB-C design, making it a rarity to find any still retaining the USB-A interface design.

According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple envisions a transition wherein by, at the latest, 2025, all products originally designed with the Lightning interface would entirely shift to the USB-C port design. Yet, this remains an internal timeline for Apple. Given that a significant user base still utilizes Lightning cables, Apple is unlikely to cease production of Lightning cables in the immediate future. However, other non-primary use accessories will likely be discontinued within the next 1-2 years, transitioning to the USB-C interface design.

Even if Apple ceases production of Lightning-compatible accessories, it’s foreseeable that other brands in the market will continue offering them, ensuring that the Lightning user community (e.g., older iPhone users) remains catered to. Yet, as time progresses, these products will gradually become obsolete.

Beyond just accessories, Apple is also predicted to feature a USB-C port design in the subsequent iPhone SE model.