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Here's Why Apple Hasn't Made a Portless iPhone

Here's Why Apple Hasn't Made a Portless iPhone

  • 17.03.2025 23:40
  • macrumors.com
  • Keywords: Regulatory Compliance

Apple considered making a portless iPhone 17 Air but abandoned the idea due to European Union regulations requiring USB-C ports. Removing the port could also upset customers, as seen with the removal of the headphone jack in previous models. While MagSafe charging is fast, eliminating USB-C would reduce flexibility since it's widely used. Apple may revisit portless designs if the iPhone 17 Air proves successful.

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Apple faced regulatory issues in Europe which influenced their decision to retain the USB-C port on the iPhone 17 Air.

Context

Analysis of Why Apple Hasn't Made a Portless iPhone

  • Rumors and Considerations:

    • Apple has long been rumored to release a portless iPhone, with speculation around its ‌iPhone Air model.
    • The company considered removing the USB-C port for the ‌iPhone 17 Air†, relying solely on MagSafe charging.

  • Regulatory Concerns:

    • Internal concerns about EU regulations led Apple to abandon the portless design.
    • The European Union mandates a "common port" (USB-C) for charging devices, and non-compliance could trigger regulatory issues.

  • Transition from Lightning to USB-C:

    • Apple transitioned to USB-C starting in 2022 to comply with EU regulations.
    • This change was extended globally rather than creating region-specific models.

  • Customer Backlash and Competitive Dynamics:

    • Removing ports or features like the headphone jack (as seen with the iPhone 7) has historically caused customer dissatisfaction.
    • Competitors like Samsung followed suit but faced similar backlash before fully adopting these changes.

  • Charging Capabilities:

    • New iPhones support MagSafe charging at up to 25W and fast charging with a 30W adapter, achieving 50% charge in 30 minutes.
    • Fast charging via MagSafe matches USB-C speeds, but removing the USB-C port would reduce flexibility due to its universal adoption.

  • Future Considerations:

    • Apple is not abandoning the portless design concept.
    • If the new thin ‌iPhone Air† proves successful, Apple may revisit a portless lineup for other models.

  • Market and Business Implications:

    • The decision reflects balancing innovation with regulatory compliance and customer expectations.
    • Portless designs could streamline device aesthetics but face practical challenges in charging flexibility and regulatory hurdles.