Lightning products: Apple has not yet reached the end
The iPad no longer uses Lightning, but older iPhones do. Some Apple peripherals also use the old standard. Will this change by the end of 2024?
An example product: The Apple Pencil adapter turns Lightning into USB-C.
(Image: Apple)
Apple's switch to USB-C is progressing, albeit less quickly than many users had hoped. The end of the proprietary Lightning standard is now complete for the iPad: With the release of the iPad Pro M4 and iPad Air M2, the last device on offer with the old interface has also been discontinued; only education customers can still purchase the iPad 9.
Apple has not yet reached this stage in other product segments. This applies in particular to iPhones and peripherals. But hope dies last: The EU Commission has made USB mandatory for many of the device categories by the end of 2024.
Where Lightning is still available: iPhone and audio
Apple's current range of iPhones still includes three series that use Apple's proprietary Lightning connector: iPhone SE 3, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 (including 14 Plus). It is unclear whether Apple will launch new variants with USB-C on the market or simply phase out the old devices as soon as the iPhone 16 is released in September - the latter seems more likely. However, an iPhone SE 4 is not expected before 2025.
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In terms of audio products, Apple has equipped the current second-generation AirPods Pro models, which are inserted directly into the ear, with a USB-C charging case. The premium over-ears from the AirPods Max series have not been updated. They will have been on the market for a full four years in December and could finally be overhauled this year – including USB-C. The standard second and third generation AirPods are also still USB-C-less, which Apple could rectify with a new charging case. The USB-C transition is almost complete for products from Apple subsidiary Beats; Apple would only have to adapt (or discontinue) the Powerbeats Pro with Lightning port.
Peripherals: Where Lightning is still king
Apple has entirely ignored the Mac peripherals about the USB-C transition. Whether Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad: Apple stubbornly delivers the input devices unchanged with Lightning. At least a Lightning to USB-C charging cable is always included. There can be no talk of a sell-off, as the changeover could have started years ago; the proprietary interface is a major anachronism. It is unclear when a changeover will take place here – not even the rumor mill knows the details.
Finally, there is the first-generation Apple Pencil, which also still uses Lightning. Apple could discontinue this in the longer term, as all iPads still in the range are now ready for the newer pens. Conclusion: Apple still has a long way to go, even if the changeover is progressing. The manufacturer could have converted Mac peripherals in particular to USB-C a long time ago.
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