Switching the iPhone from Lightning to USB-C means more than convenience

As I write this, there are only a few short days left until Apple’s next special event, during which it is widely anticipated—obviously so, if you pay attention to the trends —the company will introduce the next-generation iPhone.

One of the outstanding features of this new iPhone line is the conversion from Lightning to USB-C. Most industry watchers, such as my good friend John Gruber at Daring Fireball, expressed excitement about this change for two reasons. First is convenience. All the nerds are clamoring for USB-C iPhones because they want one cable that can charge it all, especially when traveling. The second reason, as Gruber focuses on, is data transfer. Especially on iPhone Pro models, faster Thunderbolt speeds will be a huge benefit for those who need (or want to) transfer large files from their phone to their computer.

All in all, both reasons are reasonable and valid — except for the fact that people are missing an important plot point of this story. As always, it’s about accessibility.

While it’s highly likely that Apple will introduce USB-C as a required feature on new models, the move from Lightning to USB-C isn’t exactly noteworthy from an accessibility standpoint. . It’s a horizontal move. In terms of hand-eye coordination, USB-C does absolutely nothing to improve the situation. Going full USB-C may be convenient, but convenience and accessibility aren’t the same.

They are close but distinct cousins.

In short, here’s the problem: Not everyone can plug things in. There are plenty of disabled people with iPhones, including this reporter, whose disabilities make plugging into anything can be—and sometimes is—an adventure. The reality is that there are people whose vision and/or fine motor skills make plugging in or removing a nice new USB-C cable a frustrating, if not downright impossible, exercise. In the case of the iPhone, MagSafe charging is a solution that combats this problem but does not completely eliminate it. Whether Lightning or USB-C — even the 30-pin iPod connector of yore — the fact remains that these cables are inaccessible to many people. Any benefits in convenience and performance do not outweigh concerns about accessibility.

What is going to happen really The innovation is whether Apple can somehow combine USB-C with MagSafe, essentially adapting MagSafe on the MacBook to work on the iPhone (and iPad). (Not wanting to butt in, the fact that USB-C is an industry standard isn’t important to the nuanced point I’m making in this piece.) Even though I claim to be a nerd, I certainly not an engineer; I can’t speak to the feasibility of merging the two in terms of providing both power and magnetic data. The takeaway, however, is that USB-C would be a better specification if it were accessible to everyone. Again, not everyone has the dexterity to plug things in so easily.

Myself Maybe status quo management. I use Lightning and USB-C all the time, but capabilities don’t always match ease of use. I Maybe use a USB-C cable, but it’s not very easy. It’s worth mentioning that the new Pro models are said to have color-matched braided cables. If the magnetic USB-C connection can’t be undone, there’s some consolation in the existence of these updated cables. The color combination will benefit perception, while the added friction from the braided material will make inserting and removing the plug at least a little easier.

The moral here is simple: don’t take your technology for granted. Just because reporters, tech analysts, and YouTubers seem to be on the same page about USB-C doesn’t mean the change is unilaterally good for everyone — even if it’s been a while since we’ve said goodbye. goodbye Lightning.

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