Apple may use Waveguides to replace Lightning port on upcoming iPhones

With the 2019 iPhone’s script seemingly already written on the wall; it appears that Apple is exploring other options for future iPhones when it comes to transferring data apart from cables or wireless connections. The possibility that Apple is seeking out will be a combination of the two and the end result will be sending extremely fast data via waveguides.

With waveguides, Apple will empower its iPhones to transfer data far more quickly and efficiently without wires or even without a Lightning port.

Apple has filed a patent for Conductive Cladding for Waveguides and it comprises of documents revealing some of the brand’s ideas on using this technology to replace data cables.

A report by CultofMac states, “The filing points out that the amount of data that can be sent through a conductive wire is limited by the electrical resistance of the material. Using multiple wires in conjunction can lead to capacitive coupling adding “noise” to the data.”

Apple’s documentation states, “Utilizing conductive wires to transmit data requires the use of receptacles on the receiving side, which may often create openings within which moisture and/or debris may enter.”

Apple is working on alternatives and with this patent, they are investigating waveguides that can transmit electromagnetic waves.

The patent states, “Waveguides are structures that enable wave signals to propagate with minimal loss of energy. Waveguides are particularly useful for transmitting waves that are not normally capable of efficient transmission in the atmosphere. As an example, very high-frequency waves (e.g., millimetre waves) that easily disperse in the atmosphere can be contained within a waveguide to prevent dispersion of transmitted signals. By enabling the transmission of millimetre waves, transmissions performed at frequencies substantially higher than that of conductive wires (e.g., tens or even hundreds of gigahertz (GHz)) can be achieved.”

The latest patent surrounds methods for making certain that the transmitter and receiver of the millimetre waves are oriented correctly.

This could eventually lead to waveguides replacing Lightning ports.

The report ends by stating, “Using a system for transmitting data that’s far faster than a cable or Wi-Fi and doesn’t require a physical port would allow Apple to make an iPhone even more waterproof than its current models.”