USB-C, Lightning and 3.5mm Ports - Past and Present

During 2022 we witnessed the increase of USB-C and a decrease in 3.5mm and a level year for Lightning ports. Android phones, laptops and all of Apple's iPads are now single port USB-C devices. Which says a lot about the future of digital ports. Most estimates are that the USB-C functionality will increase the costs to the phone maker by $2 but will save valuable room inside the phone for battery space. Still, the majority of phones sold today worldwide (60%) have a 3.5mm connector and a USB Micro Port. Let's review each port's history and outlook in the future:

History of the 3.5mm Port

The TRS connectors were first used in 1873 (single channel) was first invented in 1873.The 3.5mm audio connector, also known as the TRRS (dual channel) connector, was invented by a French engineer named Georges Right around the year 1910 and was first used widely in the 1950s in portable tape recorders. Over time, it became the standard audio connector for headphones, speakers, and microphones due to its small size, reliability and widespread use in consumer electronics.  

Pros:

• Widespread compatibility with a variety of devices
• Low cost and simple design
• No need for an additional power source for most devices

Cons:

• Limited maximum audio quality
• No support for data transfer or charging
• Not waterproof

History of the USB C Port

The USB-C connector was developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), a group of industry leaders that includes companies such as Apple, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and others. The USB-C specification was first published in August 2014 and has since become the industry standard for charging and data transfer. It was designed to replace various other USB connectors and to offer a faster, more efficient way to transfer data, charge devices, and connect to displays and other peripherals. The USB-C connector is now widely used in laptops, smartphones, and other devices, due to its small size, reversible design, and high-speed capabilities.

USB-C, also known as USB Type-C, is a type of USB connector that is reversible and can be plugged in either way. 

Pros:

• Reversible design and high-speed data transfer capabilities
• Can support multiple protocols such as DisplayPort, HDMI, and Ethernet
• Can deliver high power for charging devices
• More waterproof

Cons:

• More expensive than 3.5mm connectors
• Can have compatibility issues with some older devices

History of the Lightning port

The Lightning port is a proprietary computer bus and power connector developed by Apple Inc. for their devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It was introduced in September 2012 as a replacement for the 30-pin dock connector, which had been used in previous versions of Apple's mobile devices. The Lightning port offers a more compact and durable design and also added support for faster data transfer speeds and power delivery. The Lightning port has become a standard feature in Apple's mobile devices and is used for charging, data transfer, and connection to accessories such as headphones and speakers.

The Lightning connector is reversible and can be plugged in either way. 

Pros:

• Reversible design and mid-level data transfer speeds
• Only used by Apple devices, leading to more consistent compatibility
• Can support multiple protocols such as USB audio, Ethernet, and HDMI
• More waterproof

Cons:

• Proprietary design, leading to higher costs for non-Apple accessories
• Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices
• Requires a power source for charging devices.

In summary, USB-C is a versatile connector used for charging and data transfer on many newer devices. Apple has moved everything except the iPhone to USB-C. Lightning is a proprietary connector used by Apple for their iPhones and no longer iPads. The low cost analog 3.5mm port still remains the leading audio connector globally but is look older every year as a vintage 19th century technology.