A version of “iPhone 13” that lacks a Lightning port can force changes in recovery processes, says a report, with an “Internet Recovery” mode that allows iOS to be reinstalled without the need to connect the iPhone to a Mac or PC .
Recovering an unresponsive iPhone usually requires it to be connected to another device, usually through the Lightning port on the base. If the rumors of an iPhone without a port are true, the lack of a Lightning port or any other standard physical connection can make the device difficult to maintain.
To allow for a complete reinstallation of iOS on an iPhone that does not respond without a separate physical connection, Apple is reportedly looking for ways to do this. Based on rumors of Appleosophy, the main way to do this is through something provisionally called “Internet Recovery”.
Apple’s software teams are looking at three ways to get the iPhone into a mode that allows it to recover.
The first method involves a user putting the iPhone into a manual recovery mode, triggering the Internet Restore broadcast. This is detected by nearby Macs or a PC with iTunes installed, which will bring up prompts to guide the user through the rest of the restoration.
The second way is for the device itself to enter mode automatically, bringing up the same prompts again. A third, apparently, involves the use of Bluetooth as a “last resort” measure to transmit the signal and for data transfers.
Apple is believed to be interested in using the first two methods for recovery options and has apparently been testing the processes for some time. However, it is said that the processes are currently very slow for public use, indicating that more work is needed on the subject.
Although wireless recovery options are the primary focus of the effort, physical access is not yet being completely overlooked. Apparently, a hardware team is considering using pogo pads to initiate a physical connection, without requiring that a standard port be available.
Currently, it is suggested that Apple can hide the pads on the back of the SIM card slot and use a custom SIM card tray cable to interface with them.
Hidden doors are not new to Apple, like the one on the back of the Apple TV and also the Apple Watch. However, it is said that the team working on the problem is not allowed to make changes to the box, such as protecting the cushions behind a door or panel, which could hinder development.
Rumors of iPhone without a door have circulated over the years, but have not yet been proven to be correct. The relative lack of history for the media also makes it difficult to consider how genuine the rumor is at this point.
There are rumors that the “iPhone 13” has an always-on screen that can also run at 120 Hz, a four-camera system on the back with LiDAR, a minimized notch and the return of the Touch ID.