Submitted by Frank Macey on
Apple continues its moves towards USB-C connectivity and away from the proprietary Lightning connector first introduced in 2012. Hot on the heels of several reports detailing the upcoming iPhone 15 featuring a USB-C port, Apple is rumored to add USB-C to its AirPods Pro lineup. The charging case, which currently supports wireless Qi charging and sports a Lightning port would be replaced by a wireless/USB-C model.
Submitted by Frank Macey on
Faster data transfer speeds and universal cable compatibility are just two things on the horizon for the next generation iPhone coming later this year. Apple is all but confirmed to bring USB-C to the iPhone 15 Pro lineup this fall. For the first time since its introduction in 2012, the proprietary Lightning connector is to be phased out. At least part of the reason for a switch away from Lightning are new EU regulations mandating that all electronic devices support USB-C for universal compatibility. The move also reduces the number of cables, chargers, and adapters needed by consumers.
Submitted by Frank Macey on
Every iPhone from the 3G in 2008 until the iPhone 11 in 2019 was packaged with a 5W USB Power Adapter in the box. While Apple has stopped including a charger with its iPhones, the company continues to sell the classic adapter. This may not be the case for long, as the slow 5-watt charging speed and its USB type-A connector is going the way of the dinosaurs.
Submitted by Fred Straker on
A new breed of malware has been found infecting Macs and iOS devices, spread primarily by compromised apps found in the Chinese Maiyadi App Store. Researchers at Palo Alto Networks have reported that hundreds of thousands of users could be affected. Named WireLurker, the malware also has a Windows variant and could be the largest scale infection of its type.
WireLurker lurks on a computer and when an iOS device is connected via USB, it attacks the mobile device. Private data such as messages and contacts can be compromised. iOS devices do not need to be jailbroken to be vulnerable. While WireLurker may not be a concern for those who never use third-party app stores, checking for infection is relatively simple. Apple has already taken steps to combat the malware by blocking the affected apps.
Submitted by Frank Macey on
Rumors are flying that Apple plans to release a Lighting cable with a fully reversible USB plug connector alongside the iPhone 6. This would bring the convenience factor of dual orientation connectors to both ends of the Lightning cable, saving users plenty of time in the process. After all, when left to chance, current USB plugs are turned the wrong way 50 percent of the time.
This frustration becomes a thing of the past with a simple design change. Instead of using a thick plastic core that fills half of the USB plug, connection pins are provided on both sides of a thin center plate. With this redesigned USB cable, the probability of getting it right every time is 100 percent. What is possibly the most incredible fact about this redesign is how long it took for a manufacturer to bring the concept to market.
