Tech giant Apple could soon abandon the Lightning connector cable. According to reports, the European Parliament is all set to vote soon that will compel the iPhone maker to drop the Lightning connector. The lawmakers want tech giants to adopt a single universal charging method. The US-based company will be the worst affected if lawmakers vote against using Lightning connector cable. The lawmakers want a common charger for all smartphones as they believe it will make people’s lives easier. The Lightning cable is used to charge and sync Apple devices including the iPhone. The two other charging cables that are used on Android devices are USB C and micro-USB.
Although the lawmakers have not fixed a date for voting, Apple will certainly have to adopt a new charging method to stay in the market. Notably, Apple has already stopped using Lightning connectors on the 2018 iPadPro. Apple said the proposed decision will be disruptive to consumers as it will have to rework on its charging method. The company needs to adopt a new charging method that will be acceptable to European customers. Apple will likely adopt USB-C, considering that it has already dropped Lightning on 2018 iPadPro. Also, the majority of the new Android phones already feature USB-C ports. Another option that Apple may gauge is to completely remove charging ports and cables and use wireless charging instead.
If the proposal is cleared by the European Parliament, it will be the second time that the Cupertino based company will change its iPhone cable. Earlier in 2012, Apple was forced to drop the 30-pin dock connector. The European Commission has been aggressively campaigning for a single universal charging method for the past decade. In 2009, there were more than 30 types of charger in the market. But that number has now reduced to just three. According to European Commission estimates, old charges generate 51,000 tonnes of electricity waste every year. The latest decision will also save electricity and thus help the environment.
Carolyn is a technology graduate and loves to write about anything related to technology as well as writes in others sectors. Carolyn is a professional writer with over 7 years of experience. Initially starting off as a programmer, Carolyn decided to combine her knowledge about technology and writing and that’s how she joined Reporter Expert.