Apple may be forced to remove the Lightning port due to a new legislation that is expected to be presented by the European Commission next month.
The legislation would establish a common charging port for all mobile phones in all European countries.
Because many popular Android devices already have USB-C connectors, the shift is expected to largely effect Apple.
The European Commission attempted to reach a final resolution on the matter in 2018, but it did not become law.
Apple cautioned at the time that mandating the industry to use a single charging connection would hinder innovation and result in electrical waste as consumers were forced to convert to new cables.
According to a research done by the European Commission in 2019, half of all charging cords marketed with mobile phones had a USB micro-B connector, 29% had a USB-C connector, and 21% had a Lightning connector.
The study proposed five different solutions for a common charger, including ports on devices and ports on power adapters.
The controversy was revived last year when the European Parliament decisively voted in favor of an universal charger, claiming less environmental waste and more consumer convenience as the key benefits.
According to sources speaking to Reuters, the executive body of the European Union is now writing the legislation, which is anticipated to be submitted next month.
The legislation body wants to “Establish a common charger”. for all mobile phones.
