Apple's upcoming iPhone models may drop the Lightning port in favor of USB-C connectivity as upcoming legislation from the European Commission may force the Cupertino-based tech giant to make the switch.
The EU is attempting to establish a universal charger for smartphones and other devices, according to sources speaking to Reuters. An EU executive is expected to present the legislation sometime in September with the aim to reduce electronic waste and support customer convenience for charging.
- iPhone 12 mini long-term review: Living with Apple's smaller phone
- Phones with the best battery life in 2021
- Best phone deals in 2021
The report mentions that around half of the chargers sold with smartphones came with a Micro-B USB connector, while 29% had a USB-C cable and 21% a Lightning connector in 2019. A majority of modern Android phones use USB-C connectivity, while Apple has, to the chagrin of many, kept with Lightning since the iPhone 5.
Major smartphone brands, including Apple, Samsung, Huawei and Nokia, previously agreed to sign a voluntary memorandum to start using the same chargers in 2011 with the goal to reduce the variety of chargers. However, Apple shows no sign of joining having introduced its Lightning port in 2012 and recently expanding MagSafe technology to wirelessly charge its iPhone 12.
Switching from Lightning to USB-C
Apple reportedly pushed back on the EU's previous effort to unify connectivity, indicating there would be even more electronic waste if customers were forced to switch to new connection options. Apple has already made attempts to reduce waste, as the iPhone 12 doesn't come with a USB charging brick. It does, at least, come with a USB-C-to-Lightning cable.
Seeing as more Android phones come with USB-C ports than iPhone models with Lightning, there's reason to believe Apple may finally make the switch to USB-C. The tech giant already introduced USB-C connectivity in a number of its products, including the recent iPad Pro and iPad Air. It's the upgrade the iPhone 12 missed out on, and one many are hoping to see with the iPhone 13.
Rumors from earlier this year suggest Apple may end up ditching ports entirely and go with a "portless variant" of the iPhone 13. While this may not be featured, next year's iPhone could go all-in on MagSafe connectivity instead.
While we wait to see if Apple says goodbye to its Lightning connections for good, you can prepare for the connectivity overhaul by checking out the best USB-C accessories and cables and best USB-C hubs.
