The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office this week granted Apple a patent for a new magnetic connector capable of transmitting power to the iPhone. The news comes after rumors circulated that Apple is considering removing the Lightning port from its smartphones in the future.
As reported by Patently Apple, the patent shows a new type of connector that could be somewhat compared to the iPad's Smart Connector or even the MagSafe from older MacBooks. Based on the images, this magnetic connector would replace the Lightning port as the new way to recharge the iPhone.
The patent recently granted to Apple covers the invention related to a connector for an accessory capable of exchanging power and data with an electronic device. Specifically, the connector includes contacts that are activated by magnets that are associated with contacts on the electronic device.
The patent suggests that the new connector is designed to enhance the iPhone's water resistance, as it is made entirely of magnets. While it seemed unlikely that Apple would create another connector for devices , the patent reveals that the company is indeed studying the possibility of replacing or removing the Lightning port from the iPhone.
Last year, Apple introduced MagSafe for iPhones – which is a magnetic connector based on the Qi standard that can be attached to the back of the phone to recharge. While the iPhone 12 still has a Lightning port, rumors suggest that future models may no longer have this connector, so users will have MagSafe as their only alternative for charging their iPhone.
At the same time, trusted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said earlier this week that Apple will keep the Lightning port for another year – until the iPhone 13 models. Apple has been pushing the idea of a world with only wireless solutions since the introduction of AirPods, so it wouldn't be surprising if it removed the only remaining port on the iPhone.
Information source: 9to5mac.com
