Apple Switches to USB-C

Apple is finally going down the route that most other technology companies are striving in. It’s time to say goodbye to the Lightning Cable as USB-C is taking over.

This little cable is running out of time, as the European Union is forcing the change that all mobile devices must require a USB-C port. Apple at first didn’t agree with the move. Today, they are fully embracing this development as all Apple products will now be able to be charged with the same chord.

The Lightning cable was a decent enough charger as it has stuck around since the iPhone 5. The USB-C will have faster charging times. Since most electronic devices use the USB-C port, the new iPhones, starting with the iPhone 15, will be compatible with non-Apple charging devices.

This change comes with controversy though. The change to the USB-C will cause the Lightning cable to be basically useless. These cables will end up in landfills by the millions. Something that has raised concern is the fact that a form of government was able to force this change. Now this force of change was done to reduce waste of multiple different chargers. The EU held a press conference announcing the change. “This future-proof law allows for the development of innovative charging solutions in the future, and it will benefit everyone - from frustrated consumers to our vulnerable environment” says Alex Aigus Saliba, EU’s Parliament rapporteur.

If there is one universal charger, then there will most likely be less waste. The common consumer doesn’t have to worry about multiple different chargers anymore. This does raise a question that many are worried about though. Will governments be able to continue to force product designs?

Many students attending Liverpool High School are iPhone users. Ryan Schavone is a senior at LHS. Schavone was asked his opinion on Apple changing the charger to a USB-C. “I think them switching to USB-C is better than the lightning cable because USB-C offers benefits like faster data transfer and universal compatibility, but it might also mean replacing older accessories” Schavone states.

Schavone was then asked what he thinks others may feel about the switch. “Some might see it as a positive step towards standardization, while others could view it as inconvenient” he says. 

The new iPhone 15 is slated to release on Friday September, 22nd. The release also comes with another new feature, as the silent slider is swapped out for a button. There are people on both sides of the argument between Lightning and USB-C. This most likely won’t change the spike in the purchase of iPhones, as consumers are continuing to hop over to Apple in hopes of better technology.