Apple Talks About Switching From Lightning To Type-C

A few days ago, we talked about that Apple may have to switch from Lightning to Type-C as the European Union Parliament wants a single charging model. The technology giant has spoken about the issue. Keep reading for details.

Until 2009, there were more than 30 types of charge inputs on the market. This number was reduced to 3 by the European Union Parliament. These are Type-C, Lightning and Micro-USB. Recently, the parliament announced that it wants to reduce this number to 1.

If the European Union Parliament makes such a decision, Apple may have to give up on Lightning and switch to Type-C. But Apple announced that they disagree with the parliament’s decision. The company said this would prevent innovation, cause waste and harm nature.

Here is the full statement:

Apple stands for innovation and deeply cares about the customer experience. We believe regulation that forces conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphones stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, and would harm consumers in Europe and the economy as a whole.

More than 1 billion Apple devices have shipped using a Lightning connector in addition to an entire ecosystem of accessory and device manufacturers who use Lightning to serve our collective customers. Legislation would have a direct negative impact by disrupting the hundreds of millions of active devices and accessories used by our European customers and even more Apple customers worldwide, creating an unprecedented volume of electronic waste and greatly inconveniencing users.

We do not believe there is a case for regulation given the industry is already moving to the use of USB Type-C through a connector or cable assembly. This includes Apple’s USB-C power adapter which is compatible with all iPhone and iPad devices. This approach is more affordable and convenient for consumers, enables charging for a wide range of portable electronic products, encourages people to re-use their charger and allows for innovation.

Prior to 2009, the Commission considered mandating that all smartphones use only USB Micro-B connectors which would have restricted the advancement to Lightning and USB Type-C. Instead, the Commission established a voluntary, industry standards-based approach that saw the market shift from 30 chargers down to 3, soon to be two — Lightning and USB-C, showing this approach does work.

We hope the Commission will continue to seek a solution that does not restrict the industry’s ability to innovate and bring exciting new technology to customers.”

Source: Reuters

Both sides want each other to be solution-oriented. Who do you think is right?

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