Apple's 2019 iPhone lineup may mark the end of the Lightning connector
Anonymous sources from "analog IC vendors" informed DigiTimes of the potential changes, including a redesign of chargers and related connections in its next-generation mobile devices. The report doesn't specifically confirm a change from Lightning to USB-C will take place, but strongly suggests Apple is considering making the switch in the future.
This is not the first time rumors of a move from Lightning to USB Type-C has surfaced, as reports ahead of last year's launch of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X advised it was a possibility. The iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X were all equipped with Lightning ports at the time of launch.
The report adds that other rumors suggest a replacement of the connector will take place during the 2018 iPhone refresh, but doubts this to be the case. Apple is claimed to be in the "redesign phase" of the 2018 models, a stage in preproduction that does not allow for major specification changes, with sources suggesting this pushes any switch to USB-C to the 2019 models.
