Will Europe be able to put an end to the Lightning port in 2021?

According to information from the press agencyReuters, it is in September that the European Commission (EC) will present its action plan aimed at deploying a universal charging solution for smartphones, across the continent. For the moment nothing is officially decided, however it is now almost accepted that the big winner will be the USB-C port, which is already found in many manufacturers.

In 2018, according to a CE study published the following year, 29% of devices sold in the region were already equipped with this connection, compared to half for micro-USB and 21% for Lightning. Figures sufficiently encouraging that a bill is being drafted, in order to put an end toa debate which went so far as to suggest MagSafe as a replacement.

Apple gets up to date

Even if Cupertino were to be forced to switch to all USB-C shortly, it should not be an impossible challenge to overcome. In fact, several of its ranges have been updated in advance for better user comfort. For example, we can cite tablets, withthe fifth generation iPad Pro powered by the M1 processoror the iPad Air released around the same period. What's more, the latest MacBooks also only offer this sheet.

Furthermore, despite Apple's arguments against the change which, according to its claims, could generate tons of waste, it is precisely out of concern for the environment that Europe wishes to improve its standards. Behind this positioning lies something obvious for legislators: with one and the same model of charger for all devices, the waste of alternative versions will automatically be reduced.

Adapters on the key?

However, we must not forget that Apple still has the means to overcome the potential limitations of the European Union, in several ways. The first would consist of offering an iPhone 13 without a socket, then only supporting wireless charging. A hypothesis which can make you jump but which is nevertheless reminiscent of the abandonment of the 3.5 mm jack, especially sinceserious rumors have already mentioned this possibility for the next quarter.

Otherwise, as we can see in the document above which reveals some of the Commission's suggestions, political power could ultimately impose a more flexible solution. This would consist of letting manufacturers deliver USB-C adapters with their smartphones, without changing the plans. But then it’s difficult to maintain an ecological argument…