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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Alex Hern Technology editor

Apple to put USB-C connectors in iPhones to comply with EU rules

An iPhone with Lightning port and cable
It is not clear whether the Lightning connector will also be abandoned outside the EU. Photograph: NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock

Apple will ditch the Lightning connector on its iPhones, the company has confirmed, after European regulators decided all smartphones should have USB charging as standard in two years’ time.

New EU rules require all phones sold after autumn 2024 to use the USB-C connector for their charging ports. The oval-shaped plugs are already standard on other consumer electronics such as e-readers, games consoles, laptops and the vast majority of new Android phones.

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