Should Apple Shift the iPhone to USB-C to Better Help the Environment?

In an opinion post over at The Verge, it has been argued that if Apple really wants to help the environment, it should switch the iPhones from its proprietary Lightning port to a universal standard, such as USB-C, instead of just choosing not to include the earbuds and power adapter in the box.

Iphone 12 packing

Citing “environmental impact,” Apple has said that the iPhone 12 devices will ship only with a USB-C to Lightning cable, which will help it consume less raw materials while also allowing for smaller retail boxes.

By embracing USB-C for its iPhones, Apple could instead include a much more useful USB-C to USB-C cable that could charge all of your other electronics too. This could also the company to remove the cable entirely and just ship the phone by itself, making things even greener.

In 2020, USB-C is about as universal as wired connection standards come. It’s used by over-ear headphones, true wireless earbuds, VR headsets, tablets (including some of Apple’s), laptops (including all of Apple’s) and laptop accessories. It’s used by game consoles like the Nintendo Switch, and it’ll be used with both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X’s controllers when those consoles ship next month.

Let us know whether Apple should make a switch to USB-C for its iPhones and all other iOS devices or not in the comments section below.

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