Like most passive and electromechanical components (PEMCO), connectors are often an unsung hero of modern electronics. Our devices can contain hundreds of internal and external connectors. Advancing technology pushes new demands onto connectors, prompting proprietary innovation. However, this innovation can lead to unnecessary e-waste and stifle cross-compatibility between devices.
A modern example of this innovation and eventual technological silo-ing is Apple’s Lightning connector. By December 2024, the European Union has mandated that all phones be compatible with a USB-C connector.
This article explains the EU ruling and the technical differences between Lightning and USB-C connectors.
The Lightning to USB-C Migration
When launched, Apple’s Lightning plug/receptacle was one of the most capable data and power connector series available on the market. Today, it is wildly under-performant against other tangent connector solutions, such as USB-C, and creates unnecessary e-waste and consumer spending. The European Union Parliament has estimated that disposed of chargers account for 11,000 metric tons of e-waste in Europe every year.
In October 2022, the European Union adopted a law that states “handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld videogame consoles, and portable speakers… have to be equipped with a USB-C receptacle on the device side (as described in the European standard EN IEC 62680-1-3:2021) and, in cases of charging power lower than 60 watts, be rechargeable with cables that complied with the same standard” by the end of 2024.
Apple may move to USB-C earlier than required, but from a technical perspective, is this a good thing? Yes. The USB-C is far superior in capabilities to the Lighting connector.
What is a Lightning Connector?
The Lightning connector is a proprietary, small, 8-pin (or 16-pin) connector that is reversible and provides data transfer and power to iPhones and other various small electronic devices manufactured by Apple. It was introduced in September 2012 via the iPhone 5, the iPod Touch (5th Gen), and iPod Nano (7th Gen). The 6.7mm by 1.5mm connection can achieve data-transfer speeds of 480 Mb/second but does not support video output.
What is a USB-C Connector?
A USB-C connector is an industry-standard connector used by various device types and manufacturers. USB-C connectors utilize 24 pins and support charging, data transfer, and video output via a single cable. USB-C can transfer data at speeds up to 10Gbps (nearly 20 times that of the Lightning connector). Most importantly, USB-C ports are more robust and durable than lightning ports, making them more reliable over time. USB-C was introduced in August 2014 and was adopted by the IEC in July 2016, making it slightly more modern than the Lightning cable.
USB-C: More Sustainable and Powerful
Ultimately, the mandate from the European Union strives to reduce unnecessary duplicity between proprietary and industry-standard data connectors. While Apple has historically argued that banning the Lightning cable will increase e-waste, it is feasible that the standardization to USB-C for all small electronics will ultimately reduce the number of new chargers and cables produced. From a technical perspective, the USB-C is far more advanced than the Lightning cable. But is it more advanced than the next connector that Apple may have been planning? We may never know.
Shop a wide variety of connector types including USB-C connectors from top manufacturers at Arrow.com. Find popular USB Type C connectors to get started below.
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