The USB-PD protocol is physically tied to USB Type-C signals. It can not be implemented over a Type-A connector. You require the CC (Configuration Channel) lines to facilitate USB-PD communication. The Type-A connector instead relies on specific pull-up / pull-down resistors on the data lines. It is nasty compared to the newer, USB Type-C / USB-PD standard.
I suppose Apple could use an active Lightning to Type-C cable to implement USB-PD. It would not be simple and would require that the Lightning connector be able to facilitate configuration data.
Article confuses ports and protocols (Score:0)
USB-C is a connector, not a protocol. Perhaps they meant USB-PD (Power Delivery) over USB-C.
Not that I really blame them for being confused given the atrocious naming.
Re:Article confuses ports and protocols (Score:2)
The USB-PD protocol is physically tied to USB Type-C signals. It can not be implemented over a Type-A connector. You require the CC (Configuration Channel) lines to facilitate USB-PD communication. The Type-A connector instead relies on specific pull-up / pull-down resistors on the data lines. It is nasty compared to the newer, USB Type-C / USB-PD standard.
I suppose Apple could use an active Lightning to Type-C cable to implement USB-PD. It would not be simple and would require that the Lightning connector be able to facilitate configuration data.