Here is a summary of some recent news about Apple potentially being forced to ditch the Lightning charging port on iPhones in favor of USB-C:
- The European Union has been pushing for a common charger standard across mobile devices from all manufacturers. This would require Apple to transition away from its proprietary Lightning port to using USB-C charging on iPhones sold in Europe.
- In June 2022, EU lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor of new rules that will mandate USB-C as the standard charging port on most devices by late 2024. This includes phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers, and handheld video game consoles.
- Apple has resisted this change and tried to negotiate exceptions, arguing it would stifle innovation and create electronic waste as consumers discard existing Lightning cables and chargers. But the EU has moved forward.
- The new EU rules do not apply to devices that do not need to be plugged in to operate, so wireless charging iPhones could still be an option for Apple.
- Analysts expect Apple will comply with the EU rules when they take effect by switching to USB-C ports on future iPhone models destined for the European market.
- However, Apple may keep Lightning ports on iPhones sold outside of Europe. Or they may switch all iPhone models globally to USB-C charging to simplify manufacturing.
- Overall, Apple is being forced by EU regulators to adopt USB-C as the standard iPhone charging method within the next two years despite their objections. This will be a major change ending Apple's proprietary Lightning connector after 10 years.