How Apple Might Use MagSafe As An iPhone Replacement For Lightning
A new Apple patent describes a type of MagSafe connection that may replace the Lighting port in a future iPhone, with charging and data transfer.
A new form of Apple’s MagSafe technology may replace the iPhone’s Lightning connector in the future, allowing improved water and dust resistance. The iPhone has used a Lightning port for the past several years despite ongoing rumors that Apple might switch to USB-C as it has with the iPad. With some critics complaining that the Lightning port adds no advantages over USB-C, perhaps Apple decided it was time to reinvent the iPhone connector.
The very first iPhone used a large 30-pin connector that was nearly an inch wide. The technology was leftover from the third-generation iPod Classic introduced in 2003. In 2012, Apple cut the port size by about 60-percent with the introduction of the relatively tiny Lightning port. Besides the slimmer design, which translated into thinner smartphones, the new design can be plugged in either direction, eliminating the frustration of making sure the connector is right-side-up before insertion.
Now, though, a newly granted patent relating to charging and data transfer suggests that a future iPhone may have a new type of MagSafe connector. The patent, which can be read in full on the US Patent & Trademark Office’s website, describes a spring-loaded connection, similar to pogo-pins, but the connector would be held in place via magnets instead of the friction method used by the Lightning connector. Since this new magnetic design may be sealed more completely, greater protection from water and dust might be possible. Other advantages include quick disconnect in case a cord is tripped over and generally easier plugging and unplugging. It’s important to note that this is a patent only and does not necessarily mean that Apple will ever make use of this technology, but there is a very real possibility that it may be seen in a future iPhone, perhaps even the upcoming Phone 13.
Apple loves designing with magnets and they may be the best embodiment of Apple 'magic,' using invisible lines of force to improve its technology and make a product that is more user-friendly. MagSafe was used for charging several generations of MacBook laptops, the iPad Smart Cover uses magnetic attachment, as does the Apple Pencil 2. The most impressive display came with the Magic Keyboard that appears to make an iPad hover slightly above the keyboard at a good viewing angle.
Of course, the iPhone 12 already has a MagSafe connection which is used for attaching accessories and to allow precise alignment for faster wireless charging. However, MagSafe wireless is still much slower than that of a wired connection. This new patent describes something closer to the older MacBook MagSafe charging connector, meaning a future iPhone may allow the use of MagSafe wireless and MagSafe wired connections. This unique, wired, magnetic connection may provide a future iPhone with a faster and easier attachment without sacrificing quick charging and rapid data transfer.
Source: USPTO