Removing the mobile phone interface is divided into several steps: charging, data transmission, external devices

In 2020, when people see a mobile phone with a 3.5mm headphone jack, they can't help but say "advanced". Two years later, in 2022, will people also say the same thing when they see a mobile phone with a charging port?

Various signs show that Apple is not planning to bring the much-anticipated Type C to the iPhone, but is planning to completely cancel the charging port and launch an iPhone without a port design in its flagship model in 2021. Looking back, when the mobile phone did not have a headphone jack, it needed a major upgrade of adapters and Bluetooth technology. Launching a mobile phone without a port design requires solving more usage habits problems.

Charging: Fast and Cool

For Apple, or any manufacturer who wants to launch a mobile phone without a charging port, the most important thing is to change the traditional charging method. Compared with removing the earphones, some people have already formed the habit of using Bluetooth earphones, and the relevant Bluetooth technology is basically mature. At present, no consumer can accept the use of completely wireless charging. Instead, the "wireless charging" function is regarded by manufacturers such as OnePlus as a function that can be abandoned when creating cost-effective products.

In addition to the issue of usage habits, the issue of wireless charging speed must also be resolved, especially for a manufacturer like Apple that has always maintained the "five blessings and one safety" tradition. If the current maximum charging power of 7.5w is continued to the 2021 iPhone without an interface, it will definitely be unbearable for consumers.

However, looking at the manufacturers that can currently provide consumers with high-power wireless charging products, they all work hard on the heat dissipation of the charger. You know, the AirPower that Apple announced earlier failed was also difficult to produce due to the problem of heat management. Currently, Xiaomi's 30w wireless fast charger on the market has specially added an active cooling fan, and OnePlus' 30w wireless charger also has a similar design.

For a mobile phone without an interface, the charging function must be fast and cool. When launching a mobile phone without an interface, it is natural to launch a matching wireless fast charger. If a fan is used, whether the noise generated can meet the brand's consistent concept, or whether there are other better heat dissipation solutions, is obviously an important issue for manufacturers.

Data transmission: stable and more stable

The problem of data transmission is also a major challenge in removing the interface. This function is basically barrier-free for the iOS platform. First, thanks to Apple's closed system, many people have to learn to use WiFi to transfer files to third-party applications on their phones; second, Apple's AirDrop function is indeed powerful, and a large number of Apple users are already happy to use it to share images and videos, as well as transfer files efficiently and losslessly; third, the maturity of Apple's ecosystem, the existence of iCloud, and the linkage between multiple devices have limited the function of the iPhone data cable to charging in most cases.

Apple also added UWB to the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone Pro Max released last year, further enhancing the functionality of AirDrop. But this is just the tip of the iceberg, and more use cases for UWB remain to be developed.

In fact, the AirDrop function is also a part that the Android camp is working hard to supplement. Last week, Meizu, OnePlus, Realme, and Black Shark jointly announced that they have joined the Inter-Transfer Alliance to achieve file transfer between Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo and other brands. Previously, Xiaomi also created the Mi Inter-Transfer function specifically for its own mobile phones in MIUI11.

However, although the AirDrop function is already very powerful, it may still experience freezes and transmission failures when the network conditions are poor. It is also crucial to make similar functions more stable. Once the user wants to transfer a large file immediately and the nearby network pressure happens to be relatively high, the user may miss the "advanced" data interface again.

External devices: All-in-one connectivity

Another function of the interface is to connect peripherals, such as the OTG function commonly supported by Android phones, or the ability to connect to larger screens via HDMI and VGA. This is another important function of mobile phone interfaces, especially for high-end mobile phones. Huawei and Samsung have also developed computer modes specifically for connecting mobile phones to larger screens, hoping that smartphones can become productivity tools.

The AirDrop function mentioned above can obviously solve most of the OTG problems and project content onto a larger screen. The iOS camp has always had the AirPlay function, which can wirelessly project the content played by iOS devices onto the TV screen. The Android camp also has a similar Miracast function.

However, the above two functions have some compatibility issues. Many users who often use this function will find that when they are on a business trip, even if the TV in the room supports this function, or even if they bring a TV stick, it is easy to fail to project the screen. Instead, it is more convenient to carry an HDMI cable and an adapter with you.

At present, there are reports that although Apple will cancel the lightning charging port, it will add the Smart Connector that is already used on the iPad Pro. The Smart Connector was also expected to be configured on the iPhone 7, which happens to be the first model of Apple to cancel the 3.5mm headphone jack. If the Smart Connector is really configured on the phone, the problem of connecting peripherals will naturally be solved.