The Lightning Plugin, used to help charge some Apple products and transfer data to devices like the iPhone and iPad, could soon see its last days. The connector replaced the 30-pin spring connector in September 2012 with its 8-pin offering a more orderly experience than its predecessor. Early devices that used the Lightning port included the iPhone 5, the fifth-generation iPod touch, and the seventh-generation iPod nano.
Over the years, Apple continued to stick with the Lightning port even when users wanted the iPhone to switch to the USB-C port which is what is used to charge and transfer data to most devices on the Lightning. world, including Android phones. Apple has so far refrained from making this change mainly because, as Apple’s proprietary accessory, the company is making money by selling these cables. Apple is not completely blind to this. Last month we told you that two Apple insiders, TF International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg writer Mark Gurman, said we could see the USB-C port debut with iOS on ‘iPhone 15 of 2023. Gurman also claims that Apple is working on an adapter that would allow iPhone units to work with accessories designed for use with the current Lightning connector.
Next week we may know if Apple will have to replace the Lightning port with a USB-C port on European models of iPhone and iPad
Next week, Apple could be in a position to force it to dump the Lightning port. On June 7, the day after the start of Apple’s WWDC Developer Conference, the European Union (EU) could announce the result of a vote that would force it to equip all smartphones and tablets sold in Europe with a USB-C port. Since this would be the law in the EU, the question would be whether Apple would want to use different ports in the US and Europe.
The answer to the above question is “probably not” and therefore, if passed by EU law, it could very well be the end of the iPhone’s Lightning port worldwide. Regardless of whether the EU votes to make USB-C the standard in Europe or whether Apple decides to do so, no change is likely to occur until 2023 at the earliest.