Apple's next iPhone could charge faster than before (AAPL)

pulse

March 2, 2017 5:51 PM

Sorry, Apple probably won't ditch the Lightning cable for USB-C.

Apple's upcoming iPhone, expected to launch in September, could charge faster than previous models, according to a new analyst report.

Apple will use "Type-C Power Delivery" technology, along with a new "L-shaped" battery pack design, which enables faster charging, according to a research note from supply chain soothsayer and KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seen by 9to5Mac and Apple Insider.

However, the next iPhone's "fast charging" will take place through Apple's proprietary Lightning connector port, according to the research, because Apple collects royalties from its accessory ecosystem, and that the Lightning port is actually smaller than a USB-C port.

Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal floated the notion that the next iPhone could use the standard USB-C port, which some Android devices use.

Apple is widely expected to launch three new iPhones this fall — two successors to the current iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, and a higher-end, possibly "pro" model with a better screen and a $1,000 price tag.

Here's what we think we know so far:

All new iPhones could have wireless charging.
The highest-end iPhone 8 could have a casing made of "forged stainless steel" and a back made of glass.
The home button and fingerprint sensor could be built into and under an edge-to-edge screen on the high-end model.
It'll sport a double-lens camera, like on the iPhone 7 Plus.
New 3D-sensing technology enabling "some form of facial/gesture recognition."
A launch date in the fall — likely in September, as usual.

pulse