The iPhone 12 promises many welcome upgrades, from 5G connectivity and a faster new A14 Bionic processor to improved cameras and a sleeker, more retro design. And with four iPhone 12 models rumored to make an appearance at Apple's October 13 event, there appears to be plenty of choice.

However, according to all the rumors and leaks I have seen, there is one thing that will not be fixed in the iPhone 12. That is that the Lightning connector will remain in place.

You may have already heard rumors that Apple may not include a charger with the iPhone 12, which is annoying. However, the company believes this move will reduce electronics waste and has already ditched the Apple Watch 6 charger.

What you should get is a USB-C to Lightning cable, one that is braided and maybe a little more durable than before. Reportedly, the iPhone 12 lineup will offer 20W fast charging this time around, but if the rumors are true, you'll need to buy your own charger. But that's not my biggest problem.

By sticking with the Lightning connector, Apple is perpetuating a problem that iPhone users have had for years: the Lightning connector can, after a while, stop charging the iPhone even when properly connected. I have experienced this problem on two iPhones in a row, an iPhone XS Max and an iPhone 11 Pro Max.

I have my iPhone plugged into an outlet near my nightstand, and a slight wiggle of the cord will cause it to stop charging. Sometimes I think I've plugged it in, but when I wake up, the iPhone is almost out of battery.

And it's definitely not just me. There are articles on the web, dating back to 2014, on "quick and easy fixes" for charging issues with the Lighting port. There have also been complaints on Apple's forums about several iPhone models.

The iPhone 12 is supposed to have a USB-C port; I have never experienced charging problems with a phone or laptop with a USB-C port. In other words, it "works". So why does Apple care about Lighting?

Apple makes money on accessories that utilize the Lightning port, such as headphones. But in the meantime, the iPad Pro, the new iPad Air, and the MacBook Pro have all moved to USB-C. And so should the iPhone.

I've heard some rumors that Apple will offer a MagSafe-like wireless charging system for the iPhone 12 through a new type of case or wireless charger. I like the idea, but it doesn't solve the Lightning problem.

The iPhone 13 may go in a radically new direction and be completely portless, but at this stage it is an early rumor. I strongly hope that Apple adopts USB-C and Lightning is no longer used forever, but it is unlikely to happen with iPhone 12.