Current:Home > MyWhat is USB-C, the charging socket that replaced Apple’s Lightning cable?-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
What is USB-C, the charging socket that replaced Apple’s Lightning cable?
View Date:2025-01-11 10:24:37
LONDON (AP) — Bye, Lightning cable. Hello, USB-C.
Apple is ditching its in-house iPhone charging plug and falling in line with the rest of the tech industry by adopting a more widely used connection standard. A big part of the reason is a European Union common charging rule that’s coming soon for the 27-nation bloc.
Here’s a look at the USB-C plug and what it means for consumers:
WHAT IS USB-C AND HOW CAN I TELL IT APART FROM OTHER PLUGS?
The first part of the acronym stands for Universal Serial Bus, and it replaces earlier versions of the USB cables used on everything from printers and hard drives to computer mice and Kindle readers.
The USB-C plug comes in a different shape than its predecessors — an elongated oval. It’s also symmetrical and reversible, which eliminates one of the common gripes about previous versions like the rectangular USB-A connectors because there’s no wrong way to plug it in.
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT USB-C?
USB-C cables can carry more power so laptops can be charged faster, and they enable faster data transfer speeds, allowing a big trove of files to be copied from a computer to an external hard drive. At the same time, they can pump out a video signal to a monitor and supply power to connected accessories.
The USB-C connector also is designed to be future-proof. Its shape won’t change but newer versions — and the devices they connect to — will come with upgraded capabilities. That means users will have to beware because older devices might not be able to support the latest specs.
It’s also slimmer than boxy USB-A plugs, making them a better fit for newer devices that keep getting smaller.
WHY IS APPLE USING IT?
Apple has long championed its proprietary Lightning connector for iPhones even though pretty much no one else used it. It resisted the EU’s common charging push, citing worries that it would limit innovation and end up hurting consumers.
Apple held out even as others started adding USB-C connectors into their devices. But after the EU proposal won a key approval last year, the U.S. tech giant gave in and didn’t look back.
A company executive unveiling the latest iPhone on Tuesday didn’t even mention the Lightning cable as she introduced its replacement.
“USB-C has become a universally accepted standard so we’re bringing USB-C to iPhone 15,” said Kaiann Drance, vice president of iPhone product marketing.
She said USB-C has “been built into Apple products for years” and can now be used on MacBooks, iPads, iPhones and AirPods.
WHAT ROLE DID EUROPE PLAY?
Apple’s shift is an example of how European Union regulations often end up rippling around the world — what’s known as the “Brussels effect” — as companies decide it’s easier to comply than make different products for different regions.
The EU spent more than a decade cajoling the tech industry into adopting a common charging standard. The push to impose rules for a uniform cable are part of the bloc’s wider effort to make products sold in the EU more sustainable and cut down on electronic waste.
The EU’s common charging rule won’t actually take effect until fall 2024. It covers phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles, keyboards and mice, portable speakers and navigation devices.
It also standardizes fast-charging technology and gives consumers the right to choose whether to buy new devices with or without a charger.
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Dozens indicted over NYC gang warfare that led to the deaths of four bystanders
- Bills vs. Steelers highlights, winners and losers from Buffalo's wild-card victory
- Lionel Messi wins 'The Best FIFA' men's player of year award, beating out Mbappe, Haaland
- Photos: Snow cleared at Highmark Stadium as Bills host Steelers in NFL playoff game
- Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are expecting their first child together
- Will Meghann Fahy Appear in Season 3 of The White Lotus? See Her Reaction
- Brooklyn man fatally shot inside NYC subway train tried to break up fight, reports say
- How Pregnant Suki Waterhouse Had Emmys Dress Redesigned to Fit Baby Bump
- Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn Coming Out of Retirement at 40
- Broadway's How to Dance in Ohio shines a light on autistic stories
Ranking
- The USDA is testing raw milk for the avian flu. Is raw milk safe?
- Roy Wood Jr. pleads for 'Daily Show' to hire new host at Emmys on 'the low'
- These Valentine’s Day Edits From Your Favorite Brands Will Make Your Heart Skip a Beat
- Stock market today: Asian shares sink as jitters over Chinese markets prompt heavy selling
- Mississippi expects only a small growth in state budget
- 150M under weather alerts, 6 dead as 'dangerous cold' has US in its clutches: Live updates
- Tanzania blocks Kenyan Airways passenger flights in response to Kenya blocking its cargo flights
- Anthony Anderson's Mom Doris Hancox Hilariously Scolds Him During Emmys 2023 Monologue
Recommendation
-
U.S.-Mexico water agreement might bring relief to parched South Texas
-
New doctrine in Russia ally Belarus for the first time provides for using nuclear weapons
-
Lawmakers announce deal to expand child tax credit and extend business tax breaks
-
People are eating raw beef on TikTok. Here's why you shouldn't try it.
-
Isiah Pacheco injury updates: When will Chiefs RB return?
-
An emotional Christina Applegate receives a standing ovation at the Emmys
-
Former New Orleans Saints linebacker Ronald Powell dies at 32
-
From Hot Priest to ‘All of Us Strangers,’ Andrew Scott is ready to ‘share more’ of himself