A PORT-LESS iPHONE?? - WAN Show Dec 6, 2019

The WAN Show episode from December 6, 2019 centers on the rumor that Apple might release an iPhone without a physical Lightning charging port, effectively making the device portless. The hosts discuss the implications of wireless charging and the broader movement toward wireless peripherals, considering whether such a design would be practical for professionals who rely on dongles, adapters, and external accessories. They reference Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions and analyze how a portless iPhone would differentiate Apple’s flagship device from competitors, while also debating the environmental and engineering trade-offs of eliminating physical ports. Throughout the talk, the hosts juggle the tension between a futuristic, cable-free vision and the current realities of connectivity, accessories, and user experience. A core thread examines wireless bandwidth, 60 GHz wireless tech, and potential limits for demanding tasks like 4K video playback or VR streaming, especially in scenarios such as in-boardroom presentations or professional setups. The discussion also digs into the practicalities of wireless charging efficiency, environmental considerations, and the need for a robust ecosystem of compatible accessories before a portless future can become mainstream. They acknowledge that even if wireless tech advances, there will be short- to mid-term transitional solutions such as magnetic or optional dongles for compatibility, carPlay, and audio accessories. Sponsors are integrated into the dialogue with Ridge Wallet, Seasonic, and Displate, followed by a fan-favorite tangent about a recent Unbox Therapy and Pitaka design controversy. The episode then broadens to tech news segments including a revival of Haswell by Intel, and the ongoing evolution of social platforms and marketplaces, such as TikTok’s moderation debate and Craigslist’s app resurgence. The show closes with a portfolio of community updates, charity streams, and a peek at upcoming hardware projects like fiber optics in their office, human-interest notes about staff experiences, and a recap of the day’s key takeaways. Overall, the episode blends speculative tech forecasting with practical hardware considerations, highlighting the friction between a portless vision and the incremental pace at which new standards and accessories must mature. Viewers are invited to weigh the future potential of portless design against the current reality of cables, hubs, and the nuanced needs of power users. The WAN Show remains a platform for debating bold tech directions while grounding discussions in real-world usability and the incremental progress of wireless innovation.

Topics · technology · podcast · consumer_electronics · virtual_reality · networks