It is nothing new that Apple with its Lightning connector on the iPhone prevents the harmonization of all charging ports on USB-C. The EU now wants to change that and Apple could also be ready for a new connection.
USB-C is now the standard for current Android smartphones. This has a decisive advantage. Users can use one charging cable for multiple devices. This saves resources and is therefore more sustainable. There is also less chaos in the drawers at home. Apple itself uses USB-C in its MacBooks and iPads, but continues to insist on Lightning in its iPhones. However, a rethink may be in the offing here. TECHBOOK explains how the iPhones could continue.
EU wants iPhones with USB-C
If the European Union has its way, smartphone manufacturers should use a uniform charging standard. A majority of members of the European Parliament had already spoken out in favor of this in 2020. A final agreement is expected this summer, meaning that smartphone manufacturers could probably be required to use USB-C from mid-2024.
Also read: First iPhone with USB-C port is now on sale
Does Apple have to equip the iPhone with USB-C?
Apple will unveil its next-generation iPhone in September. Most likely, the iPhone 14 will still be equipped with the well-known Lightning connector this year. After all, it will still take some time from the expected draft to the finished law. The situation is different with the iPhone 15, which is expected in 2023. A change of the connection seems quite likely here. Well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo agrees.
“My latest survey shows that the new iPhone 2H23 will ditch the Lightning port and move to the USB-C port,” said Kuo. At the same time, Apple can make data transfer significantly faster with the new connection than with Lightning and also reduce loading times.
Also interesting: iPhone 14 – all information about design, equipment and price
Why is Apple resisting a change for so long?
Apple has so far spoken out vehemently against changing the connection on the iPhone. Officially, the group states that standardizing the connections would slow down innovations. That’s actually true, but you should also know that the company earns money from the Lightning connector. Obviously here is the sale of Chargers or charging cables. The Lightning connector also allows Apple to offer certification to accessory manufacturers. Of course, this costs money. Manufacturers are allowed to print a corresponding certification logo on their products.
However, with the new law of standardized connections, the EU is putting the gun on Apple’s chest. If Apple wants to continue offering its iPhones in Europe in the coming years, the company has no choice but to switch from Lightning to the required USB-C.