Apple will promote the USB-C switch as a benefit for users, but internally it is concerned

After years of arguing against the EU’s push for a common phone charger, Apple will finally switch to USB-C this year. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicts the September 12 event will present the change with a smile, focusing on the benefits it brings to consumers – but behind the scenes there is also some concern.

The obvious things are losing revenue from MFi licensing, and Apple executives are apparently worried about another backlash from fans like when they first introduced the Lightning port (and removed the established 30-pin connector that was ubiquitous on many accessories).

Some people were shocked when Apple ditched the 30-pin connector

There’s more: Apple is worried that if users have accessories compatible with Android phones, they’ll be more likely to jump over the fence into Apple’s walled garden. Gurman cites iMessage as an example: Apple could add RCS support and make messaging from iOS to Android much better, but then people would no longer be as chained to iOS as they are now. Also, remember when FaceTime was going to be open source?

Apple will include USB-C cables with the new iPhones, but hasn’t included a charger in the retail box starting with the iPhone 12. The last generation to have a bundled charger was the 11, and that was a USB-powered TO. brick (the same as previous generations). So if all you have is an iPhone 11 and some AirPods, you may not have a USB-C charger to plug your new phone into. Apple will be wise to offer enough Lightning to USB-C adapters for consumers who want to continue using some of their older accessories.

The iPhone 11 was the last to come bundled with a charger, a USB-A charger

Gurman also reports that Cupertino is looking into metal 3D printing to speed up the production of device casings. As well as being faster, it will also be more sustainable as it wastes less material – current casings are made from solid blocks of metal, which creates a lot of waste material.

The Apple Watch Series 9 will likely be the first product to use 3D printers, and their casings will be printed from stainless steel. If it works well, Apple will switch to titanium for the Watch Ultra next year. Titanium is, of course, the new material for the cases of the iPhone 15 Pro models, so a small-scale success could allow Apple to convert its larger devices (iPhone and even iPad) into 3D printed parts.

Speaking of iPad, Apple is working on a more premium Magic Keyboard for its tablets with a larger trackpad and an aluminum top case (similar to MacBooks).

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