While it won't be coming this year, the possibility of a port-less iPhone in the future is looking more likely than ever, especially after the European Union gave Apple the go-ahead to do so.
So why is Apple making such an effort? Is there some sort of conspiracy behind it? It’s clear that behind the initial surprise of the portless iPhone, the move makes more sense from a profit perspective for Apple than simply a convenience for users. An iPhone without a charging port would mean users would have to charge the device via MagSafe technology — a proprietary Apple standard, similar to the Lightning port that many have been clamoring to see removed.
While MagSafe has helped shape the wireless charging standard in the tech industry, it has also created some challenges for users. It’s not a perfect solution for every situation. Many people still need wired charging, especially when wireless charging isn’t always available. Having a MagSafe charger by the bed or plugging in a cable won’t make a huge difference for most users.
In particular, removing the USB-C port doesn’t make much functional sense, as USB-C cables are now much more ubiquitous than MagSafe and can connect to a wider variety of devices. This raises questions about consumer choice and whether a proprietary standard is actually in their best interests.