US government may force Apple to drop Lightning ports like EU

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USB-C iPhones could be mandated by the US government.

image credits: future

By making a single charging standard a priority for U.S. politicians, the iPhone 14 might be the last iPhone to have a Lightning port.

In an effort to reduce the amount of e-waste that is dumped in landfills, three Democratic senators have written to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to mandate that all mobile devices sold in the U.S. utilize the same charging/data port. As a result of EU law passed earlier this month, Apple would be required to use USB-C connectors on all of its devices by 2024 if the trio’s request is granted.

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The letter from Senators Ed Markey, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders to Commerce Secretary Gary Locke states, “We cannot allow the consumer electronics industry to choose proprietary and inevitably outmoded charging technologies over consumer protection and environmental health.”.

A compelling case is made by all three senators. All except Apple’s other mobile devices utilize USB-C or an older version of the standard, so it makes sense that iPhones and iPads may be recharged using the same cords. USB-C, on the other hand, has overtaken Lightning in terms of charging and data transmission speeds since its introduction.

The inclusion of recycled materials in Apple’s gadgets and the removal of chargers from new iPhones are just two examples of how the company prioritizes environmental friendliness and e-waste in its product launches. Apple has argued that the change would create electronic waste by rendering existing Lightning accessories obsolete, and it would hinder innovation by making it more difficult to develop new products.

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We’ve heard that the iPhone 15 will be the first to use USB-C in 2023, according to reports. Assuming future iPad and AirPods versions do not include Lightning, Apple will meet the EU’s 2024 deadline with ease. Macbooks like the new MacBook Pro 2022 and Air 2022 from Apple are already equipped with the USB-C Thunderbolt connectors that will be required by 2026 for all new MacBooks.

Rumors of a portless iPhone in the next few years raise the possibility that Apple won’t use USB-C at all on future iPhones. Due to Apple’s existing MagSafe wireless charging technology utilizing a USB-C connector, the company would have no problem expanding this element of its patented technology with future iPhones notwithstanding the regulations.

However, don’t anticipate the United States government to swiftly pass a law on common charging. An EU common charger regulation was finally passed in 2009, nine months after years of negotiations over the exact terms. To be sure, there would be much discussion and input from Apple and other U.S. IT corporations before a vote could be taken place.

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This year’s iPhone will not have USB-C. We’ve got a ton of information on the upcoming iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro in our hub and roundup.

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