Apple iPhone 12 Could Still Feature Lightning Port Instead Of USB-C, Leaker Claims

If a leaker's claims about the iPhone 12 lineup are accurate, it appears that those who were hoping to see a USB-C port will be very disappointed.

While other smartphones in the market make use of a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, Apple's iPhones continue to use the company's proprietary connector, Lightning. And while some might have hoped that Cupertino would finally adopt the widely used charging standard on its upcoming devices, it appears that it still won't.

According to a Twitter leaker named Fudge (@choco_bit), the iPhone 12 series will continue to use Lightning ports for charging. The leaker added that Apple did have some prototypes that used USB-C, but these won't make it to the market.

“Shame the USB-c prototype iPhone 12's arent making it to production. 1 more year of lightning,” the leaker said.

Apple prototyped an iPhone with USB-C

The leaker explained in a reply that there are some “things tested internally that never make it out.” These things, the leaker claimed, included a non-pro AirPods that features noise cancelling, a “reduced notch iPhone since XS days” (referring to the iPhone XS), and an iPhone X model in “gold.” The iPhone 12 with USB-C is but one of these prototypes that will never make it out to market.

Aside from saying the iPhone 12 series will feature Lightning, @choco_bit also mentioned that the succeeding iPhone series, believed to be called the iPhone 13 series, will feature a smart connector.

“Oh well, at least smart connector on 13 series,” the leaker said.

Not the first time
Apple Insider noted that this isn't the first time this kind of rumor has appeared online. @choco_bit, in a reply, however, claimed that the iPhone 13 will be portless (without USB-C or any other port) and will use a smart connector for charging and data transfer instead.

While other insiders such as Prosser seem to share @choco_bit's sentiments regarding the upcoming iPhone models, fans will do well to take all of these leaks with a grain of salt. Those who are interested to learn more about the iPhone 12 series' details should read this other article.