Apple will drop it’s custom Lightning port, and switch to USB-C for all or certain versions of its iPhone 15 lineup expected to be launched in the second quarter in 2023. Apple Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed.
Since the release of the iPhone 5, Apple has maintained it’s Lightning port for the iPhone despite a large portion of the market moving to USB-C. In an Twitter post, Kuo said that the latest survey on supply chain suggests that Apple is likely to ditch Lightning for USB-C by 2023. Kuo pointed out that USB-C could enhance transfer speeds in the iPhone and speed up charging.
Kuo has previously stated that Apple will remain with Lightning in the iPhone for the “foreseeable future,” saying that the switch to USB-C would harm MiFi’s business, and it has a lower waterproof specs.
Today, Apple reportedly has changed its tone. One reason Apple might have for its alteration of its stance is the pressure placed on Apple from the EU.
The EU is moving forward by introducing new legislation that would require Apple to implement USB-C on all iPhones and iPads and AirPods that are sold in Europe. If passed, this legislation will require Apple to either send specifically designed USB-C equipped versions that are sold in Europe but leave the majority of the world with Lightning or to adopt USB-C for all its products across the globe.
The EU Wants All Phones to Work With Interoperable Chargers, Here’s What That Means for Apple’s Lightning Port
Despite the opposition of Apple and other companies, Apple’s opposition was not enough. European Parliament in January approved overwhelmingly for new regulations to create the common charger standard to be used by mobile manufacturers all over Europe. European Union. This article examines the form the EU legislation could eventually be and how they might impact Apple users across Europe as well as elsewhere.
In the meantime even with being the entry level iPad changing to USB-C later in the autumn Gurman claims iPhone 14 models will stick with Lightning for a year, and the switch will be made in 2023.
What Exactly is the EU Calling For?
To decrease the cost of electronic waste, and make users more comfortable, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) would like “binding measures” that ensure that chargers work with all tablets, smartphones and other devices that are portable.
According to an impact evaluation study of the most popular chargers for portable devices, conducted by the EU approximately five percent of those interviewed reported facing “significant issues” because of non-standard chargers. The issues included charging devices that were not compatible between devices, different charging speeds across various chargers, and the need the ability to use multiple chargers to meet all requirements.
Additionally to that, the EU asserts that by agreement on a standard charger this will bring an end to the clutter of chargers and 51,000 Ton(s) of electronic waste every year.
The latest 582-40 vote in the parliamentary debate for the common charging standard was triggered because the Commission’s previous policy of “encouraging” tech companies to come up with a common technology “fell short of the co-legislators’ objectives,” according to a report posted on the European Parliament website.
The majority the Apple iPad range has USB-C ports that allow for faster speed of transfer from other devices like cameras. Cinematographers and photographers who are a segment that Apple has been eager to reach with its premium iPhones as the Lightning port is an issue when it comes to transferring huge photo and video files. Moving to USB-C could simplify the workflow, making it much easier to transfer files, and be supported by a larger range of USB-C devices.
