Ten years ago, Apple introduced the iPhone 5, which, unlike previous generations, lacked the 30-pin connector and was instead launched with the Lightning port. Thanks to this port, users could plug in the cable without worrying about its orientation. Before Lightning, other ports only had one correct way to connect.
However, what was once an exciting innovation has now become a source of frustration for many users, who are calling for Apple to transition to USB-C. In general, Apple is known for not rushing to adopt new technologies. Below, we explore six technologies that Apple adopted later than its competitors.
USB-C; 8 Years Delay
Although this transition has not yet occurred, due to new EU regulations, Apple will have no choice but to implement USB-C for iPhones starting in 2023. While the regulation officially takes effect in mid-2024, analysts believe Apple won’t take risks and will adopt USB-C for the iPhone 15 series in 2023.
Beyond the EU, the U.S. and Brazil are also working on regulations to mandate USB-C ports on all smartphones. The first Android phone featuring this port was released in 2015, meaning Apple will be 8 years behind its competitors in making this change.
Notably, five years ago, Apple introduced the iPad Pro with a USB-C port. Although this trend continued with other iPad models, the company has fiercely resisted phasing out the Lightning port. The 12-inch MacBook, released in 2015, was also among Apple’s early adopters of USB-C.
Sensor Pixel Binning Technology; 4 Years Delay
After years of using a 12MP main camera across its models, Apple finally introduced sensor pixel binning technology in the Pro models of the iPhone 14.
For years, the Nokia 808 held the record for the highest-resolution mobile camera with its 41MP sensor. In 2018, Huawei’s P20 and Mate 20 phones, featuring 40MP cameras, came close to breaking this record. By the end of 2018, Huawei and Honor released the first smartphones with 48MP cameras.
One of the standout features of the Huawei P20 Pro was its use of pixel binning technology, which significantly improved low-light photography and enabled HDR shots without combining multiple images. Notably, the Nokia 808’s sensor was not only high in resolution but also large in size. The sensors on the iPhone 14 Pro models are now comparable in size to the Nokia 808’s.
5G Connectivity; 1.5 Years Delay
The iPhone 11 series, released in 2019, only supported 4G, with Apple finally integrating 5G modems into the iPhone 12 series. This delay wasn’t due to Apple’s usual reluctance to adopt new technologies but rather stemmed from legal battles with Qualcomm and Intel’s failure to develop 5G modems. Once Intel admitted defeat in this sector, Apple and Qualcomm settled their disputes and signed a new agreement.
During that period, rumors suggested Apple might use 5G modems from Samsung, MediaTek, or even Huawei, but none materialized. Following Intel’s withdrawal, Apple decided to develop its own modems, acquiring Intel’s mobile modem division for $1 billion in 2019. While some analysts expected Apple to launch its custom modems in 2023, the company is reportedly facing significant patent challenges.
The Galaxy S10 5G was the first smartphone to feature this technology, launching in 2019. As a result, Apple was 18 months behind its major competitor in adopting 5G.
Always-On Display; At Least 6 Years Delay
In 2019, Apple introduced Always-On Display technology with the Apple Watch Series 5, using LTPO panels. However, this feature only reached the iPhone 14 Pro models after years of anticipation.
Years ago, when most Android phones had LCD screens, some manufacturers simulated an always-on effect. However, in 2016, devices like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and LG G5 were among the first to implement true Always-On Display technology. At the time, enabling this feature drained the battery significantly, but in recent years, power consumption has improved considerably.
Wireless Charging; 8 Years Delay
Similar to Always-On Display, wireless charging first appeared on Apple products through the Apple Watch. The first-generation Apple Watch, launched in 2014, supported this feature. The Palm Pre was the first smartphone to introduce wireless charging, debuting in 2009. For years, no other major phone manufacturers embraced this technology.
However, in 2012, devices like the Nokia 920 and Google Nexus 4 adopted wireless charging. Initially, smartphones used two competing standards for wireless charging, but eventually, manufacturers agreed on the Qi standard.
Apple finally adopted wireless charging in 2017 with the launch of the iPhone X and iPhone 8.
