Apple may replace lightning port with optical connector

The patent describes a technique where data could flow between two devices through an optical interface.

A new patent granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office published on Tuesday suggests that Apple is looking to replace existing lightning port to further reduce physical imperfections.

The patent describes a technique where data could flow between two devices through an optical interface, which will utilise a chain of tiny holes.

It mentions a setup where an electronic device will have an optical connector that provides or receives optical signals through perforations formed at an external surface of the electronic device.

“These openings can serve as the interface of the optical connector through which the electronic device can engage in one-way or two-way communication with corresponding optical connectors of other electronic devices,” the patent added.

However, these small openings will be so minuscule that they would hardly be visible with the naked human eye. Reports suggested that a form of magnetic connector would be used to position a ‘data cable’ to pick up the visual signal.

This patent also hints that Apple will soon be utilising wires charging methods. While it received a lot of flak for removing the headphone jack, the move to go completely wireless might work in their favour.