Apple Might Ditch Lightning Connector After Pressure From The EU

Apple might have to part ways with the lightning connector after the EU is planning to launch an investigation against the issue of different types of chargers present in the smartphone industry.

In 2009, 14 companies including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and Nokia signed a voluntary memorandum of understanding (MoU) in favor of bringing universal chargers for the smartphones coming into the market from 2011 onwards. The EU clearly directed companies to coordinate and come up with a universal type of charger; micro-USB was the mutually decided type then.

While most of the smartphones available today come with micro USB or USB-C type charging ports, Apple is still continuing with lightning connector. The directions from the EU is the sole reason why Apple offers Lightning to Micro USB adapters.

This might lead to action from the EU. “Given the unsatisfactory progress with this voluntary approach, the Commission will shortly launch an impact assessment study to evaluate costs and benefits of different other options,” said Margrethe Vestager from the EU.

The inquiry would raise many eyebrows as the European Union is not supposed to intervene in such matters. However, this is not the first time when the EU is getting actively involved on behalf of the consumers to the extent of taking action on tech giants. Recently, the EU imposed a hefty fine of a record $5 billion for exploiting its authority over Android.

The EU is investigating the matter. Maybe the investigation would act as a nail in the coffin to convince Apple to move to USB-C completely.

Amidst all this, we must not forget that Apple was the first company to bring reversible chargers and helped us get rid of the right side up issue.

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