The Future USB Cable: Lightning or USB Type C?
We thrive in the era of wireless charging. We have cloud data backups. But, we still heavily rely upon USB cables for power and data management. Apple users went through transition many years ago. They left behind a flat, 30 pin dock connector to a smaller lightning connector.
And today, the rest of the smartphone industry is moving towards USB type C connectors. It is difficult to decide which cable offers the best features. Which cable promises more longevity? If we look closely, Apple is currently using USB type C for MacBook & MacBook pro. The question is will we ever see the same on other Apple devices?
Lightning cable
Lightning Connector not only charges iPhone, iPad, and iPod. But, it also charges Apple’s headphones, earbuds, and other accessories of the Mac. The lightning cable does a little more than just transmit power. It can also receive digital information. You can use this cable to download photos and videos to your laptops.
Moreover, you can also download movies and music. Moving ahead, with the launch of iPhone 7, now the lightning cable can also transmit audio. Now the earphone is also gone for a toss with this technology! Wireless transmission is the tech giant’s paramount interest. The latest iPhones come up with lightning-to-headphones adapter. This allows the user to still hook up the wired headphones!
Features of Lightning Cable
Since, lightning is Apple’s connector of choice. There are a number of reasons; Apple never wants to give up this technology.
Revolutionary
The earlier 30 pin connector was bulkier for smaller Apple devices. With the revolutionary lightning, Apple took a giant stride forward. It is perhaps its biggest milestone. It was a solution to a major problem. Users can insert lightning into the handset in any orientation. USB could achieve this only in 2015.
Robust Connector
Lightning also has a smaller and a more robust connector. USB type C has fairly a larger size. It is also a bit complex in shape in contrast to lightning plug. Lightning is easier to connect to the product. The stress put on USB type C can damage the device. Whereas, the stress on lightning connector would damage the cheap cable.
Total Control over Lightning Specs
Apple attains complete authority in the production of lightning cables. This ensures its quality and reliability. As it owns the control over its specifications, it can increase the data transmission speed when it wants. The licensing permission brings ample revenue to Apple for further research and development to make it a universal cable.
USB type C
USB type C could enter the market in late 2015. USB type C is able to gain immense popularity in the realm of USB adapters. It has a slim profile and functions powerfully. It is not just an average adapter. It has a higher power bandwidth. Its higher transfer speed, charging and video output capacity makes USB type C the choice of Apple’s MacBook pro and Chromebooks.
Features of USB type C
The current trend in smartphone industry is to reduce the connections. The mini headphone jack is already under the threat of elimination. The rival to the lightning cable is the USB type C.
Higher Power Load Capacity
USB type C also brought a change. The change was the possibility of more charge power than other standards. USB type C is capable of supporting power up to 100 watts. In other words, it can support current of 5 amperes across a potential difference of 20 Volts. This has the potential to charge smartphones within minutes. It even has showcases the possibility to charge a laptop!
Faster Data Transmission
USB 3.1 type C with 24 connections is the latest version. Type A & B by comparison just has 4 pins. Apple lightning too has only 8 pins. The maximum transmission speed under USB 3.1 is as high as 10Gbit/second. This makes it the fastest means for data communication.
Universal Manufacture Rights
Everyone can manufacture USB type C. It is a universal standard. Any manufacturer can easily make use of it. This increases competition and eventually lowers the price.
Conclusion
It is fairly difficult to choose between USB type C and Lightning cable. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. But the question that arises is that, will the users ever have a standard USB Cord? Will the user be able to use the same cable for universal or absolute purpose?
