Apple makes a big announcement about the new USB-C

Everyone in the world of electronics knows how technology is constantly developing better items.

With Apple, it looks like they’re making a move with USB-C charging ports.

Currently, Apple products use a Lightning connector to charge their devices.

However, with Apple’s big announcement of new USB-C ports, could this be a fundamental change for them?

Apple confirms switch to using USB-C for devices

As Abhishek Yadav reported on Twitter, Apple said they are switching to USB-C.

USB-C for iPhone is confirmed by Apple.

— Abhishek Yadav (@yabhishekd) October 26, 2022

However, the change is one they are not satisfied with making.

The ruling stems from the common European Charger Directive regarding charging port cables.

Next year’s iPhone 15 won’t have to switch to USB-C. Apple can wait until the “iPhone 17” launches in 2025 if it wants to under the European Common Charger Directive.

— Hartley Charlton (@HartleyCharlton) October 4, 2022

While the goal of the directive is to save the planet, some wonder if this regulation will affect e-waste.

I understand your point of view, but I am referring to the European Parliament which has started negotiations on common charges with a view to “reducing electronic waste”. If that’s going to have a desired effect, well, we’ll see.

— Sandra Grabowiec (@SandraGrabowiec) October 26, 2022

With the environment in mind, it makes sense to wonder if this will reduce waste.

Both sides of the USB-C debate have their own arguments

From an EU perspective, they believe that having a “one size fits all” approach to electronics will reduce waste.

This position actually makes sense if members of a household own both Apple products and other USB-C products.

For them, using one cable for all their devices reduces electronic waste.

However, for those who strictly use a product brand like Apple, this does not affect e-waste.

Although the EU has good intentions, the effects of this change are minimal or, worse, cause more e-waste.

Instead of people being able to use their old Apple chargers on new Apple products, they have to buy new cords.

For people who do this, it makes the USB-C Switch for Apple an e-waste disaster.