Life is full of unavoidable annoyances: aging knees, complicated tax codes, and Pete Davidson. Yet, some annoyances are deliberately imposed by corporations seeking to exploit their market power for financial gain. The iPhone cord falls into the latter category.
For over a decade, Apple’s Lightning cable has been synonymous with consumer electronics. It’s both exorbitantly priced and short-lived, turning into a frayed mess before becoming completely useless. This means shelling out another $19 to the world’s wealthiest company and contributing to the growing e-waste problem. In fact, when Apple allowed customers to leave reviews on the Lightning cable, it received an abysmal average rating of 1.5 stars out of five. Customers complained about its fragile nature and tendency to stop working even without visible wire damage.
While it may be tempting to ignore new iPhone announcements these days, the latest model unveiled by Apple has a significant improvement. It finally eliminates the Lightning charger port once and for all, replacing it with the widely used USB-C connector found in MacBooks, Kindles, Chromebooks, and other devices. Although the switch may seem inconvenient, it actually presents an opportunity rather than a setback.
The Lightning connector initially adhered to Apple’s reputation for creating beautiful products. However, its weakness lies in its design. As Kyle Wiens, CEO of the repair group iFixit, explains, Apple prioritized sleekness over durability. This resulted in a fragile cord with a thin strain-relief gasket and plastic materials that lacked the sturdiness of alternatives like PVC.
The deterioration of the Lightning cable begins with small breaks or creases, gradually expanding into visible wiring. Obviously, plugging in a cable with exposed wires is less than ideal and prompts users to purchase new ones. Due to Apple’s proprietary standard, Lightning cords are more expensive than necessary. Even third-party versions must meet Apple’s specifications and licensing requirements, resulting in avoidable expenses for customers.
Despite the entrenched nature of Lightning, the transition to USB-C is not as disruptive as one might expect. USB-C has become ubiquitous, so there’s a good chance you already own a USB-C cord. Whether from a previous device or another gadget, these cords will work with the new iPhone. However, it’s worth noting that different USB-C iterations may offer varying charging and data transfer speeds.
While the immediate future still requires Lightning cables for current iPhone models, eventually, every iPhone owner will rely on USB-C. Even if Apple’s future cables suffer from the same wear and tear issues, at least users will have more options.
This transition represents more than just a technological change. It serves as a symbol of Apple’s hubris in maintaining a closed ecosystem and its impact on dismantling it. Apple’s philosophy of controlling every aspect of its ecosystem to maximize profits extends to the App Store, Apple Watch bands, and iMessage. The shift to USB-C was not solely due to goodwill from Tim Cook; it was driven by the demands of European Union regulators who mandated standardization for all mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold in the EU. These regulators are also targeting software, requiring Apple to allow third-party app stores on iPhones starting next year. Furthermore, Apple recently supported a California bill that promotes consumer-friendly repair options for iPhones, reflecting the changing regulatory landscape. As Kyle Wiens remarks, “The regulation is forcing them to change.”
The power cord may be the least glamorous part of the iPhone ecosystem, but it’s essential for charging and functionality. For the past decade, Lightning cables have caused iPhone owners too much inconvenience. Now, thanks to regulatory intervention rather than Cupertino innovation, charging your iPhone may finally live up to Apple’s promise of seamless functionality.
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