In a recent subscriber edition of his “Power On” newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman predicts that Apple will complete its transition to USB-C by 2025. While this transition will involve several products, Gurman specifically mentions the possibility of USB-C versions of the now-discontinued MagSafe Battery Pack and the MagSafe Duo being released by Apple in the future, albeit not very soon.
This move by Apple is reminiscent of its transition to the Lightning connector in the past. Apple took approximately a month or a little over two years to fully migrate to the Lightning connector, depending on how it is viewed.
The company initially phased out the 30-pin port when it launched the fourth-generation iPad shortly after the release of the iPhone 5 in September 2012. However, Apple continued to support the 30-pin port on the iPod Classic until 2014, when the older form factor of the iconic MP3 player was finally discontinued.
According to Gurman, Apple is also expected to release a new iMac in the near future, potentially as early as next month. This new iMac is rumored to come with USB-C “Magic” accessories, such as a mouse and keyboard. Additionally, Gurman predicts that Apple will introduce new non-Pro and Max AirPods with USB-C connectivity. As a result, there will be very few first-party products remaining within the Apple product lineup that are still equipped with the Lightning connector. Some examples of such products include the first-generation Apple Pencil and the iPhone SE.
The adoption of USB-C across Apple’s ecosystem signifies a commitment to a more universal charging standard. USB-C is widely recognized as a versatile connector that offers fast data transfer speeds and compatibility with a variety of devices. By transitioning to USB-C, Apple aims to provide convenience and compatibility to its users, allowing them to connect their devices to a wider range of accessories and peripherals.
It is important to note that while Gurman’s predictions are based on his industry insights and sources, they are still subject to change. Apple’s product roadmap and timeline can be influenced by various factors, including technological advancements, market demands, and internal strategic decisions. Therefore, the actual timeline of Apple’s transition to USB-C may differ from the estimates provided.
Ultimately, Apple’s move towards USB-C is in line with the industry trend of embracing a more standardized and interoperable approach to device connectivity. As USB-C becomes more ubiquitous and widely adopted, consumers can expect greater convenience and compatibility across different devices, leading to a more seamless and integrated user experience.