A rumour consensus seems to be forming that Apple will launch three handsets in September 2018 which will include a new edition of the iPhone X, a larger iPhone X Plus design, and a 6.1in "budget" iPhone with an LCD display.

However, big changes could be afoot the following year in 2019, with a rumour emerging that Apple could finally ditch the proprietary Lightning connector and instead opt for the Type-C USB standard which is pretty much universal on all other new smartphones now.

The word comes from China, where industry sources speaking to DigiTimes said that Apple is in the process re-designing its chargers and related hardware for the 2019 iPhone and iPad range.

Apparently, the change has been planned for a while but didn't make the cut for the forthcoming 2018 range as the design specifics are still on the drawing board.

However, what's not clear is whether this is a wholesale change from Lightning or just a change to one end of the cable.

It's possible the Type-C will be used at one end, while the part that plugs into the iPhone/iPad may still be a Lightning component.

USB Type-C Coming To iPhone?

It all seems a little dubious to me if I’m honest.

I mean, I’d love to see USB Type C used on iPhone. But I just cannot see Apple making the switch.

Apple’s Lightning port has been a staple of Apple’s iPhone and iPad for years now. It is also used on TONS of accessories and this combined with Apple’s track record makes me a little dubious.

The benefits of switching to USB Type C would be HUGE. Of that, I have no doubt.

But so too would including MicroSD support, and Apple has never done that before.

Also: DigiTimes is often very hit and miss with its predictions, so as always take this with a pinch of salt.