Apple might have to kill iPhone lightning port, add USB-C

Fifteen years ago Apple introduced the iPhone, one of the most innovative pieces of technology in generations. Now the tech giant is facing a potentially major change to how it has set itself apart — the lightning port may soon be history.

The European Union recently mandated that all smartphone and tablet devices use USB-C ports by the fall of 2024, Reuters reported. The mandate means that Apple will have to abandon lightning charging cables that work on only Apple products, particularly the iPhone, and fall in line with other device manufacturers’ connectors. An EU Parliament report said that 44% of cell phones sold in Europe had a USB-C connector, while 38% used a USB Micro-B port and just 18% had the Apple lightning port.

Now U.S. lawmakers are jumping onboard the USB-C bandwagon. A trio of Northeast senators sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo this month imploring her to set up a strategy to force a common charging port for all mobile devices, The Verge reported.

The letter from Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., cited the “economic and environmental harm inflicted by the consumer electronics industry’s failure to establish uniform charging accessory standards.” The lawmakers lamented the number of chargers customers are forced to purchase and the “e-waste and environmental damage.”

When electronics are not disposed of properly, e-waste can spread toxins in water, pollute soil, and degrade the air we breathe.

When people change devices, they usually just throw away their old chargers and cords. According to EU research, the move to a universal port will cut 11,000 tons of e-waste and save about $268 million dollars a year for its citizens.

Reports of leaked images of Apple USB-C chargers showed that Apple appears to already be preparing to make the switch, which, analysts note, should not be difficult considering the company already uses the ports in many of its other devices.