Apple admits defeat, will switch iPhones to USB-C charging

RIP to the iPhone Lightening Cable.


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best personal finance decisions. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money.

We’re rapidly approaching the day when we’ll be able to simply ask a friend “do you have a phone charger?” without the need to add words like “Android” or “Lighting Cable” to clarify.

Now that the EU (and Brazil) has voted to require all phone makers to use USB-C charging by 2024, Apple has finally given us some sort of confirmation that a USB-C iPhone is on the horizon.

Though there’s been no official announcement or timeline, Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior Vice President of marketing, begrudgingly confirmed the change in an interview at Wall Street Journal’s WSJ Tech Live event on Tuesday.

“Obviously, we’ll have to comply; we have no choice,” Joswiak said when asked if Apple would be making the switch from Light night Cable to USB-C.

The mandates from the European Council and Brazil are designed to eliminate electronic waste, or e-waste. Apple has long been skeptical of that idea, however, a position that Joswiak doubled down on. “We think the approach would’ve been better environmentally, and better for our customers, for the governments to not be that prescriptive,” he added.

The inevitable truth is that this is all likely just a stop-gap on our way to wireless charging, whether we like it or not.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Daily Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is an integral part of the larger DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, educational content, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every day million of audience members trust us to deliver educational content so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!