Ray Wong from Inverse recently made an interesting discovery related to Apple’s Vision Pro power cable. Upon closer inspection, it appears that the cable connects to the battery using what could be the final iteration of the Lightning connector. Using a SIM removal tool, Wong inserted it into a small opening near the cable on the silver external battery pack of the Vision Pro, and to his surprise, a larger, 12-pin version of the connector was revealed. This seemed reminiscent of the connector that Apple’s iPhone moved away from in the previous year.

Nilay Patel, Verge editor-in-chief and a reviewer of the Vision Pro, decided to test this finding, and indeed, the rumors turned out to be true. Lightning, in a grand comeback, appeared on the scene, maintaining the essence of Apple’s outgoing connector but with a broader design and additional pins. Whether Apple deliberately chose to reinforce the existing walls of its ecosystem or if it’s a playful response after being compelled by the EU to shift the iPhone to USB-C remains a humorous revelation.

In an alternate scenario, this could have been USB-C, contributing to a reality where external batteries for the headset are abundant and don’t require Apple’s specific approval (or is it spatial approval?). It brings a touch of Vision Pro humor, considering the EU’s influence that led Apple to adopt USB-C for the iPhone. Although it’s possible to connect a separate external battery to the USB-C port of the battery pack, the notion of daisy-chaining portable batteries for extended untethered use might be pushing the limits a bit too far.