Apple confirms USB Type-C on future iPhones with Lightning making way

Greg Joswiak, Apple's Senior VP of Worldwide Marketing, has commented on the EU's upcoming requirement to ship smartphones with USB Type-C ports, eradicating proprietary connectors like Lightning. Speaking with Joanna Stern of the Wall Street Journal, Joswiak remarked that Apple would have to comply, adding that it had no choice in the matter.

For reference, the EU's obligation to adopt USB Type-C will take effect in late 2024. Additionally, it only applies in the Eurozone, leaving companies open to using proprietary connectors in other markets. However, devices sold post the ban must comply, which could include the iPhone 15 series seeing as Apple continues to offer the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini. Hence, there are rumours that Apple will switch to USB Type-C next year across its iPhone range.

Unfortunately, Joswiak did not confirm whether Apple would sell iPhones with USB Type-C ports globally or just in the EU. In saying that, he implied that the EU's action would result in unnecessary e-waste, with replaceable cables already resolving the standardisation problem. Somewhat ironically, Apple's current decision-making requires that people carry at least two cables if they want to charge an iPhone and iPad. Likewise, we imagine that Apple would recommend recharging a recent MacBook via its MagSafe 3 connector, which would result in needing to carry three cables that all terminate in USB Type-C.

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